Computerz and Mobilez

PTCL has played its long kept GB card for its EVO services. To give the WiMAX service providers a tough time, PTCL EVO now comes at decreased rates with monthly limit of 5 and 10 GB (in addition to a package that offers unlimited downloads with 3.1 mbps and 256 kbps speeds).

These packages are especially suitable for those who want to retain EVO services for mobility while they are on the go but will use DSL/Fiber/Other broadband services while at home or office.

This way they can get a handy and inexpensive internet solution while on the go or even as a backup broadband service when their primary internet connection gets lousy.

Check below new EVO Packages:

*Fair Usage Policy is applicable at 1GB/day for Daypass.

EVO 3.1Mbps Postpay

EVO 256Kbps Packages

Note:

How to Avail New Packages:

Existing subscribers can opt-in for new packages either through a call or an email; for package change and subscriptions please

While PTCL was busy celebrating its 1st million broadband customers, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has directed the company to revert back its Pakistan Package to the terms and conditions that existed prior to 1st April 2011 with an advance notice of at least seven days to all relevant subscribers as required under the Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, 2009.

In an enforcement order sent to PTCL, the authority said that due to the powers it bears (delegated by Telecom Act) to regulate the competition in the market, PTCL was reminded time and again (through various letters dated 6th December, 2007, 18th Jan, 2011 and 1st Feb 2011) to seek prior approval from authority before launching/announcing any promotion or traffic package and submit complete detail of such packages at least ten days in advance.

However, despite Authority’s direction PTCL introduced and implemented tariff package forPakistan Package on 17th  March, 2011 without authority’s approval.

Letter said that PTCL was sent a show cause notice for launching Pakistan Package without notifying authority. PTCL was given a chance to reply the Show Cause Notice and then it was heard in meeting too, but PTA was contented to call the introduction of Pakistan Package by PTCL not according to procedures as mentioned in the law.

It is interesting to mention here that PTCL has revised Pakistan Package several times since March 2011 – the above case in point. The latest revision happened on May 3rd, 2012.

PTA probably needs to resolve issues lot faster than they do it now.

In this decision, Islamabad High Court has dismissed PTCL appeal regarding dispute concerning origination charges on “Non prepaid calling card service” and upheld PTA’s decision of 21^st August 2006.

It is clarified that Long Distance and International (LDI) operators are dependent on PTCL’s network for connectivity and therefore, are required to pay origination charges to PTCL for providing prepaid calling card services.

The dispute between PTCL and LDI operators arose when PTCL started charging LDI operators for unsuccessful calls as well, thus making businesses of LDIs unviable.

PTCL took the view that since the calls have been responded by Interactive Voice Response (IVR) using PTCL’s resources, therefore the duration used for IVR should be considered as a successful call. LDI operators were of the view that the terms and conditions given in Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO) of PTCL do not address the said issue in such manner and they should not be charged for that service for which they cannot charge their subscribers. Moreover, they also argued that PTCL was not charging pre-call connection duration used for IVR from its O&M partners, therefore, it is a clear discrimination.

PTA, being the telecom regulator, took up the issue with LDI operators and PTCL. In this regard, detailed consultations, meetings and deliberations were held with the industry.

International references were also studied by PTA and detailed calculations were made in order to assess and verify claim of both parties. Finally PTA gave determination on 21^stAugust, 2006 that PTCL shall charge origination charges from LDI operators for both ‘Revenue Time’ and ‘Non-Revenue Time’ on calling card traffic after giving 25% discount being a win-win situation for all parties. However, the Determination was challenged by PTCL in the court of law.

The Honorable Islamabad High Court after hearing detailed arguments from PTA and PTCL has now dismissed PTCL’s appeal and upheld PTA’s Determination by stating that the Determination made by PTA fully reflects all material aspects of the issue, not considered but recorded as well, and the reasoning advanced by PTA is not only cogent but plausible.

This landmark decision by the honorable court will help to build further confidence of industry and general public regarding the fair and transparent decision making process of PTA.

This will also help to revive the business of prepaid calling card which declined during the past few years owning to various factors including this dispute between PTCL and LDI operators. As a result of this decision, the LDI operators will be able to settle their long outstanding dues as well as resume prepaid calling card service for the benefit of general public.