Archive for January 26th, 2009

Pakistan Telecom 10 Years Ago

Published by Babar Bhatti on January 26, 2009 under Business, Pakistan, Telecommunications

The recent downward trend in mobile subscribers may have disappointed some. However we should remember that Pakistan has come a long way in telecommunication. The year 1999 may seem to be historical but it was just 10 years ago and there was very little telecom competition and action. To get an idea of the telecom industry situation in 1999, browse at a few news headlines from that time. Feel free to add to this from your memory.

Jan 12, 1999 – KARACHI – The privatization of state-owned Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is expected to be delayed for at least six months to a year because of a simmering financial crunch in the international markets.

Jul 12, 1999 – Calltel has been awarded one of only three pre-paid calling card licenses by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), and will be operational in August, 1999. At present PTCL has a revenue of US $110 million per annum for all outgoing international traffic.

Nov 19, 1999 – Pakistan Mobile Communications Ltd (PMCL – a joint-venture of Motorola and Saif Telecom, a. Pakistani company) – launched August 1994 with GSM technology.
 

And a note about what PTA was doing at that time about the Internet infrastructure.

Concerning Internet and related services, PTA chief pointed out, there is a general complaint of congestion and slow speed. He observed that growth in the number of Internet users is so fast that the facilities cannot cope with the demand. Secondly there is no backbone nor a national access point (NAC) has been established. E-Mail messages have to be routed through points in other countries, keeping the lines engaged.

The PTA chief said in view of the fast momentum in this sector, it was not advisable to impose any restrictions at this stage. As the infrastructure is made available in an adequate manner, the quality standard will, however, be imposed.