PTA Explains Why Internet Services Are Limited on Pakistan Railways Trains
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified why internet services are not widely available on trains operated by Pakistan Railways.
In a report submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, the regulator said Pakistan Railways cannot directly offer commercial internet services to passengers under its current telecommunications licence.
Pakistan Railways Has a Limited Telecom Licence
According to the PTA, Pakistan Railways holds a special telecommunications licence that is restricted to institutional and non-commercial use.
The licence does not permit the railway department to operate public or commercial telecom services for passengers.
The PTA also explained that government institutions operating under similar licences cannot function as commercial telecommunications operators under the existing telecom policy.
Internet Available on Some Trains
Pakistan Railways currently provides internet connectivity on only a limited number of trains, with services available on around three to five trains through partnerships with cellular operators.
This means passengers on most trains do not currently have access to dedicated onboard Wi-Fi services provided directly by Pakistan Railways.
How Train Wi-Fi Can Be Expanded
The PTA said Pakistan Railways can increase internet availability by entering into commercial agreements with licensed cellular operators.
Under such arrangements, Wi-Fi equipment installed on trains can be connected to the backhaul networks of telecommunications companies.
This would allow Pakistan Railways to offer better onboard internet connectivity without directly operating a commercial telecom service.
The clarification suggests that wider internet access on Pakistani trains is possible through partnerships with existing telecom operators, while Pakistan Railways continues to operate within the limits of its current licence.
