PTCL takes broadband to over 100 cities

Pakistan's largest telecom operator - PTCL - has taken another lead after it became the first company in Pakistan to provide Broadband services in over 100 cities across the country, whereas before PTCL's entry into the Broadband market in 2007, Broadband was primarily only available in the 3 major cities of the country. PTCL is spearheading the spread of broadband culture in Pakistan, where till a couple of years back there was little awareness in the market about the broadband & multimedia technologies, nor were there any significant players entering the field to cater for the mass market with high speed internet access.

Since its Broadband launch in May 2007, PTCL has made the broadband technology affordable by lowering the barriers to entry and also by geographically bringing the service within the reach of a common user across Pakistan.

While taking about PTCL's broadband service on achieving this important milestone, Dr. Sadik Al-Jadir SEVP Commercial PTCL stated that "PTCL initiates, innovates and looks forward to change as an opportunity. We implement new ideas to create value and do this at all levels and in all functions, within and outside the organization".

Dr. Sadik Al-Jadir, further stated, "PTCL is aspired to provide broadband access to all internet users in Pakistan. Being the largest IP service provider, we have a vision to provide broadband access in all cities throughout the country."

PTCL has now successfully provisioned broadband services in 103 major cities and towns i.e. Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Hala, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Larkana, Multan, Bhaipheru, Okara, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Attock, GujarKhan, Jehlum, Peshawar, Quetta alongside other small towns and cities across Pakistan. Expansion of PTCL broadband network will continue, providing more of its landline subscribers an opportunity to experience the latest in broadband and related technologies.One of the main reasons for growth in PTCL Broadband services has been its customer segmentation and geographical reach. For example PTCL's broadband facilitates the segment that relies most on high speed connectivity i.e. the students. Special packages for this segment along with services such as free dial up service for its Broadband customers and FREE access to movies, music, classical Pakistani dramas and cricket matches, educational and religious content for its Broadband customers - branded under 'PTCL BUZZ', this complete web infotainment content portal is made exclusive only to PTCL Broadband subscribers. In addition to these value additions, from now PTCL is also offering a free personalized e-mail account exclusively to its broadband users.

In August this year PTCL entered the media sector by launching an interactive television service for the first time in Pakistan. Branded under 'PTCL Smart Line', the service includes Interactive Television, Broadband and voice Telephony all at the same time on PTCL's telephone line. The most revolutionary section of this offering is the ability to rewind and pause live TV channels, the ability to block/unblock any TV channel for parental lock and the ability to search through video on demand content. The Brand 'PTCL Smart' was introduced for PTCL products that have functions that are more intelligent than their normal versions, such as Smart Line and Smart TV. Currently the service is available in the three metros Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad and will be expanded into all the major broadband cities during the year.