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In line with government’s plan and PTA’s Broadband policy to increase penetration of Internet in general and broadband in specific, PTCL has rolled out a new promotion “Broadband Pakistan”. PTCL has also slashed rates for Internet Service Providers (ISP’s). Besides PTCL’s much discussed brand reputation for different products, service issues, past experiences from Paknet and aggressive resistance from ISP’s in this regard, the overall launch of this new service by PTCL has been much aggressive and comprehensive.
From packages to marketing communication, PTCL has done much better this time in comparison to roll out of its previous products. Broadband packages are being offered for as low as Rs1199/month for port speed of 256kbps, especially 1Mbps @ Rs4999/month has grabbed them serious attention from potential prospects including SMEs, Call centers, Cable operators besides individual/residential users. Huge billboards displaying “Get Thrilled, Go DSL” and huge banners hanging at all PTCL exchanges have helped marketing of initial roll out.
The response from customers in this phase is mixed. Questions have been raised with respect to shared bandwidth, technical support, service quality and putting caps on port speeds, however, so far customers have good remarks to share i.e. getting over 110kbps on average at 1Mbps circuit is almost dedicated bandwidth. Furthermore, keeping in view that PTCL has just revamped and stepped into this segment, problems at initial stage are no exception. On the other hand one knows that if PTCL keeps things moving in the right direction, they have the biggest network, infrastructure, resources and financial strength to serve customers smoothly nationwide. Moreover, the scenario for service quality, bandwidth and technical support will get clearer after six months or a year when PTCL will have ample traffic to manage. Right now, for broadband segment, things are going in favor of PTCL.
The case for other Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) in competition with PTCL is also valid. ISP’s have been unable to slash down the prices to meet aggressive move by PTCL as they are purchasing bandwidth at very high price. On the other hand, all major ISP’s have been serving the market since long and definitely have developed strong subscriber base and competence on service standards.
Now PTCL has announced bandwidth tariff reduction on Saturday 7th July, 2007, providing fair battleground to ISP’s up to some extent. 37% tariff reduction has been announced for Karachi based companies and 25% for other telecom regions. This will help ISP’s to make their tariff’s competitive, but is this going to be a healthy practice? Will it help ISP’s to sustain their operations in long run? ISP’s have already been in cut-throat competition over individual, SMEs and Corporate customers and pricing has been the core differentiating factor. Now, reducing prices means reducing revenues and to check revenue companies will require aggressive marketing efforts to increase volume, but customers will keep on switching ISP’s. Co-location costs, stream charges, network maintenance, equipment depreciation, OPEX & CAPEX will keep on adding obstacles in long term stability for ISP’s. Telecommunication industry is evolving to a phase where there will be a battle over networks for competitive advantage. Companies must understand that PTCL is not a Government enterprise anymore; they are just another competitor with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Their competitors will eventually have to find out ways to move to their own infrastructure, remove the major dependency if not 100% to get rid of the enormous costs being paid to PTCL and from dependency on its network to react strategically, otherwise anytime PTCL reduces the price, babies will keep crying. Two companies Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd (A Telecom Malaysia Company) and Wateen Telecom have already taken lead and are laying Optical Fiber Backbones (Long Haul) over 5000kms from Karachi to Peshawar. Multinet has also laid OFC redundant rings (Metronet) in LHR and KHI and is doing so in ISB. Wateen is ambitious and aggressive about its WiMAX. However, the importance of the fact here is that companies with their own networks will not remain dependant upon PTCL and will have various revenue sources. They will provide broadband, WiMAX, Managed services, Bulk bandwidth, IPLC, DPLC, VOIP, Video Over IP etc to all from individual users to commercial giants and only such companies will be able to compete with PTCL in long run.
Written By Atif Tahir - originally published at State of Telecom in Pakistan blog .
| Written by Babar Bhatti on 07/12/07 in Telecom |
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July 12th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
I have applied on June 23rd for the connection. Initially the response was great and I received a call per day on average telling me ‘you will get the connection shortly’. Due to a hiccup by old service provider my connection was approved on July 7th but since then I am just waiting.
I have been provided with contact of a person whose is responsible for DSL connectivity in my exchange but that guy never picks up either his land line or cell phone. I have left messages couple of times, visited the exchange once but he was not simply available (neither returned the call).
I have lodged complaint on PTCL phone support 3 days back where the CSR told me that it will be sorted out soon, nothing happens yet.
I have emailed PTCL but no response yet. Unfortunately they do not have an email contact on their web site so I used the online form for submission of complaint.
A contact at senior position in PTCL told me that they are just ‘promoting’ the product and haven’t seriously deployed it yet.
July 13th, 2007 at 12:36 am
Kashif, you are not alone, we ordered PTCL 1MB for our office last month and thats its…….. never heard about it, by using some reference i was able to find out that they are facing some technical problems due to overloaded response they received and might get resolved soon !
I have no faith in PTCL yet! but i guess for the rest of the people don’t waste money on DSL wait for Wateen which is going to launch by the end of this month, i tested it and i think once they launch its going to be supper fast & bit reliable.
July 13th, 2007 at 1:09 am
The broadband connections are deployed and many people in my (Lahore Cantt) area are using it. I’m on friendly terms with the PTCL lineman in this area (not surprising since my phoneline has been dead/noisy atleast 20 times in one year) and he asked me if I was interested in the deal, as they need a minimum number of interested users per exchange/area before they can install the required equipment for that sector. I’ve been holding back until I some feedback from current users before applying.
July 13th, 2007 at 1:15 am
CORRECTION: I’ve been holding back until I get some feedback
July 13th, 2007 at 2:41 am
This is the core problem with PTCL … they are unable to deliver. Goes to show that nice ads and high-paying executives are worthless if you can’t provide basic service.
July 13th, 2007 at 9:47 am
here is my complaint
July 13th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Hi everyone, we have 1 Mb PTCL connection but it works like a few hundred kb. It SUX big time!
July 13th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Interesting. Has anyone used the bandwidth meters available online for comparisons? A lot of people can benefit if someone posts the results.
July 13th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
GOD bless Pakistan
When the big boy can’t deliver on time, why they spend a fortune on those Ads and billboards, They could have spent that much money on their logistics.
July 15th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
online order .. order confirmation in 24 hours .. installation in 48 hours at 10pm (that was the only time I was available, so they bent over backwards to service me).
on 256kbps package, speed is consistently over 200kbps
this is for Karachi .. Garden Exchange
stop bi**hing….
July 15th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
stop bi**hing… now that’s how CEOs get things done
I really liked the online order as well. Had some trouble for about a week when their DNS was apparently being replaced.
When the service is good, its GREAT. Its just that it’s not good all the time.
July 16th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Using any of the PTCL service is a mental torture.
It is with every single service of PTCL. Infrastructure is obsolete, no business plans, poor service.
I cannot go through mental torture using any of the PTCL service. Always look for alternative solutions.
Faisal
November 20th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
i ordered 256 wala package and never get any response for the next 2 weeks when i ordered, so i called 1236 support and they made fake promises with me so finally i called 1236 after exact 2 weeks and asked them to provide me there supervisor no, they gave me a number, i called them and then they gave me another number, and the chain went on so finally i got the contact number for the “D”, i dun know what that “D” is, i believe he was the incharge of exchange, i told him that what the heck is going on with my application, are you guys ganna install the dsl or not, he said just give me a moment i will be back in 10 mins, he took my cell no and he said one of the installer will get back to you today, so i talked with “D” at 9 o clock morning and finally the installer came at 3 o clock evening and this is how i hooked up my laptop with a DSL. so far everything is stable. One more thing i would like to advise all of the interested candidates for ptcl dsl service, make sure whenever any installer come to ur place, ask him the internal numbers for different kind of complaints, because if you think that 1236 is the technical support then you must be in a dream.
December 23rd, 2007 at 8:30 pm
That ptcl support center is filled with usless ppl who can do anything other then giving u numbers… its like here is the number go solve ur problem yourself..
December 24th, 2007 at 10:56 am
Well folks this problem is only for karachi i think…
i got my DSL connection for home in just 15 minutes you will not believe it but it is true.. i got it in 15 mnts after i lodged the application….,
Summerizing whole effieciency of PTCL Broadband in Peshawar regarding Connection Prodviding i think it is pretty rapid.. you will get your connection in maximum half hour to one day depending upon the load and the distance of you destination… but over all scenario is very good here in peshawar.
January 13th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Cananyone in simple words tell me what the 256kb ptcl package is like. is it better than cable network. is it worth having if i only have to pay 100rs a month cos someone is paying the rest for me.
January 30th, 2008 at 11:52 am
In simple words ptcl 256kb package sucks BIG TIME
February 24th, 2008 at 11:22 am
i am using ptcl 256 and at first it got disconnected regularly and for hours it was disconnected, i tried 1236 and all no’s they give me and by calling two weeks regularly the repair guy came and corrected it, but there is still problem it disconnects after 30 to 60 minutes and get disconnected for 5 to 60 sec but i dont have the stamena to call the again for two to three weeks continously twenty times a day, because some times they become angree, i will try to switch to http://www.link.net.pk if their response is good, i emailed them let see what happens.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:24 am
and another thing the 2gm limits expires very quickly, if windows downloads updates and you browse a bit more.
http://www.link.net.pk has no 2GB limit thats why i am going to switch there.
February 26th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Hey guys.. i read all of your comments… i think just you ppl faced this problem… every other service is less then ptcl… believe me every other company depends on ptcl… every one knows WOL company, now look changed there name and switch to link dot net… well guys at the begining these things happens but see now everything is fine… i gues limit will not a issue in few months…few more companies coming so ptcl must have to finish this limit. i will go with ptcl..
February 26th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
please respond
ptcl wireless is 5 rs /hr 128kbps ie 50-60mb download thats makes 1gb 100rs better than 250 rs month for warid
February 26th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
ptcl wireless is 5 rs /hr 128kbps ie 50-60mb download/hr (divide 128 by
thats makes 1gb download for 100rs (20 hrs) better than 250 rs month for wateen
March 23rd, 2008 at 1:03 am
hi guys,
i have installed wateen 512 pkc. and i got more than 350 downloading speed per sec.
ptcl to copper pe sahi nahi chalta bohat rulata hai…
wateen is better….
March 23rd, 2008 at 1:29 am
Faizan,
Maybe you haven’t seen this:
http://greenwhite.org/2007/04/07/wateens-triple-play-and-wimax-launched-in-dha-lahore-on-limited-testing-basis/
March 27th, 2008 at 11:31 am
ptcl is now the leader in broadband in pakistan with512 and unlimited only for 1199/month..
but my dsl continously disconnects after 15 to 30 min or 45 min why is it so…
March 27th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
2 dayz back i ordered for ptcl 512 kb/s dsl student package. they called me tommorw that they will install in couple of dayz. i don know whether it happens or not so am just waiting…..
March 27th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
@ manzoor: a friend of mi9 was having the same problem and he had Zyxel modem. Then he bought a wireless router and since then he had no problem.
@ bilal: i applied for a new connection on 9th March over the phone n they said that it’ll take 7-10 working days. But they never came
i called them regarding the issue and found out that my request was not sent to the exchange :-/ they forwarded the request again and last week they came for installation. So i wud recommend that u shud check them for your request again both from 1236 and your ptcl exchange office.
March 27th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
@shazeel
thnx for ur nice info. usually at which time they come for installation coz i am at office and came home around 7 p.m. can we request them to come for installation on our suggested time or to come on weekendz?
and what is that problem of disconnection? is that problem with their modem or something else?r u facing the same problem too? and what is this wireless router for?
March 27th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
@bilal: ur welcome bro. the came to my home without notifying me but the day before i received a auto-generated msg from ptcl giving the login and password of my account. So i think u should ask them about the timing but i won’t count on it but you should definitely try it anyways.
About the dis-connectivity, no i’m not having such problem or with the speed other than the fact that they haven’t upgraded my connection to 512kbps yet which they say they will on 31st March (fingers crossed). As i said in the previous post a friend was having disconnection problem. His telephone line was fine and also there was no problem from the provider. So the only thing left was the modem so he switched to wireless router because his family also uses internet. There isn’t a lot of difference b/w router and the modem in performance wise. The only difference is that through a modem you can connect max two systems via ethernet (lan card) and usb port but through wireless router u can connect upto 4 or more than that from any corner of your home depending on the range.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
and sorry abt the incorrect sentences in the 1st few lines. didn’t reviewed before posting it
April 6th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
what is ptcl cs ip address
April 11th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
PTCL now goes to unlimited packages and I am now enjoy 1MB DSL unlimited in just Rs. 1400
Its HEC PTCL package, that offer 30% discount
April 16th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
ppl….plz tell where r u writin frm e.g isb,karachi.lhr….. ok so i live in isb n i waaaaas abt 2 gt a ptcl dsl but after readin all da commentz………aaa u no im kindda confused abt gettin da dsl……casue my payinguest has a 512kpbs dsl n i neva find him complanin…….so tell me if i should gt it or nt…….i live in isb f-8/3……..so do tell me man………cause im doin BCS n cant go wit dial-up all da time…………its freakin slow……!
April 30th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Why not you all ppl try to use other service, like brain net.. ?
May 12th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Is it possible to get student package on the name of my cousin?
If yes then how can i get it?
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:51 am
Salam,
http://bncc.ptcl.net.pk/WssWeb/cs/oa/wstep03Student.jsp?packageId=307&packageName=Student%20DSL-512Kbps%20Unlimited%20&custType=2&rate=1
This link is not working for existing phone number, the link
http://bncc.ptcl.net.pk/WssWeb/cs/oa/wstep03.jsp?packageId=301&packageName=DSL-512Kbps%20L&custType=&rate=512
is also not working for existing phone numbers…
Now how can i order my connection…
Thanx
>> ALI
August 13th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
well, PTCL is a name of a suckin bee. i heard abt v wireless from ptcl and got one but it never works. it alwayz givin me errors like:
07-18-2008 01:59:18.156 - Modem type: HUAWEI WIRELESS MODEM(153.6K)
07-18-2008 01:59:18.156 - Modem inf path: oem0.inf
07-18-2008 01:59:18.156 - Modem inf section: Gen288
07-18-2008 01:59:18.156 - Matching hardware ID: mdmgen288
07-18-2008 01:59:18.328 - 230400,8,N,1, ctsfl=1, rtsctl=2
07-18-2008 01:59:18.343 - Initializing modem.
07-18-2008 01:59:18.343 - DSR is low while initializing the modem. Verify modem is turned on.
07-18-2008 01:59:19.031 - After waiting 20ms CD is still low.
07-18-2008 01:59:19.062 - After waiting 20ms CD is still low.
07-18-2008 01:59:19.093 - After waiting 20ms CD is still low.
07-18-2008 01:59:19.125 - After waiting 20ms CD is still low.
07-18-2008 01:59:19.156 - After waiting 20ms CD is still low.
07-18-2008 01:59:19.187 - After waiting 20ms CD is still low.
07-18-2008 01:59:19.218 - CD has been raised
07-18-2008 01:59:19.218 - Connection established at 230400bps.
07-18-2008 01:59:19.218 - Error-control off or unknown.
07-18-2008 01:59:19.218 - Data compression off or unknown.
07-18-2008 01:59:27.328 - Hanging up the modem.
07-18-2008 01:59:27.375 - Hardware hangup by lowering DTR.
07-18-2008 01:59:27.515 - Detected CD dropped from lowering DTR
07-18-2008 01:59:28.531 - Timed out waiting for response from modem
LMFAO:-(
August 14th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
@Ali: Use Internet explorer.
@Adnan: you can get it on the name of your cousin from the link given 2 posts above.
August 16th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I am also facing problems in order to get my PTCL Broadband connection as i applied on 13th of July n I am still waiting for there humble response
August 16th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
i have ordered the 1MB connection for student package and it will be installed at my home 2 to 3 days. for those who have not getting relevant speed they used to make good wire connections in their home. i am using 1MB and it’s fly however i distribiute it in 4 more persons in my area. don’t blame any one
August 21st, 2008 at 11:06 am
Any One Facing Late delivery of Email’s using SMTP’s of PTCL
i am getting 1 to 2 days delay in Delivery of Email, i have tryed Test email on my Email Add but the problem is same,
Plz Help
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:33 am
I didn’t knew they have SMTP
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
lol..
.
dudes.. PTCL had problems in the last months..
.
their workers went on strike!!..
.
read the frikin’ newspapers =\
.
i applied for fiber optic cable on the 5th of Aug..
.
i just got it!! =S .. Aug 22..
.
the strike stuff’s almost over now.. tou i expect it’ll become better now.. =\
.
anyways.. peace!
September 11th, 2008 at 8:20 am
hi, while everyone is talking about their difficulty in getting the connection in time, here i m have taken the headache right straight onto me. i had ptcl landline but for the mere purpose of internet i ordered one and that was installed right in time. But then the hell comes. No Complaints heard, No Person looked interested and even website did not work. i was unable to order the application form. it always came with a java error.
Desperately Despaired From PTCL
September 11th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
dude u all tripin…….i hav a 512 dsl….workz dam fine……
it had a prob wayyyyyyyyy back….w now its fine man…..!
September 16th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
well m using ptcl 512dsl since june. no real problems other than my dsl splitter keeps breaking every month. and this f***ing thing, my download speed drops every 10 minutes or so. m sure its something ptcl guys do to interrupt downloads. I heavily use bit-torrent client and well……. my monthly downloading exceeds 30GB.