The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that Pakistan Railways cannot directly provide commercial internet services to passengers under its existing telecom license.
In a written report submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, the authority said Pakistan Railways holds a special telecom license that is limited to institutional use and non-commercial services.
According to the PTA, the license does not allow Pakistan Railways to provide public or commercial telecom services. Under the telecom policy, government institutions holding such specific licenses are also not permitted to operate as commercial telecom operators.
Pakistan Railways is currently providing internet connectivity on only three to five trains through cellular operators.
The PTA said the department can expand Wi-Fi services by entering into commercial agreements with cellular operators. Under such arrangements, Wi-Fi networks installed on trains can be connected to the backhaul networks of telecom companies.
This means Pakistan Railways can increase internet availability on its trains through partnerships with commercial operators, while continuing to operate within the limits of its existing license.
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