PTA Blocks Pakistan Railways from Offering Direct Commercial Internet Services on Trains

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stopped Pakistan Railways from providing direct commercial internet services to passengers through its existing telecom license.

The regulator submitted a written report on onboard internet services to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology. According to the report, Pakistan Railways’ current license does not allow it to provide public or commercial internet services.

PTA Blocks Pakistan Railways from Offering Direct Commercial Internet Services on Trains

PTA said Pakistan Railways was issued a special telecom license under the Telecommunication Act, 1996. The license allows the railway operator to run a dedicated telecommunications system for its own institutional requirements.

However, the license only permits non-commercial data and value-added services. It does not allow Pakistan Railways to operate as a public or commercial telecom service provider.

The regulator also referred to the Telecom Policy 2015, under which special licenses issued to government organizations do not permit commercial telecom operations.

As a result, Pakistan Railways cannot directly offer commercial internet connectivity to passengers under its existing license.

Internet Currently Available on Limited Number of Trains

PTA said Pakistan Railways is currently providing internet services on only three to five trains. These services are being offered through cellular mobile operators.

This means the existing arrangement does not involve Pakistan Railways acting as an independent commercial internet service provider. Instead, connectivity is supported through licensed telecom operators.

Commercial Agreements Can Expand Wi-Fi Services

PTA said Pakistan Railways can expand Wi-Fi services to more trains by entering commercial agreements with licensed telecom companies.

Under such arrangements, the Wi-Fi networks installed on trains could be connected to the backhaul networks of cellular or satellite operators. This would allow passengers to access internet services without Pakistan Railways directly operating a commercial telecom network.

The regulator noted that both terrestrial telecom networks and satellite systems are used around the world to provide internet connectivity on trains.

Pakistan Railways could therefore work with licensed operators to expand onboard internet access across its fleet while remaining within the existing regulatory framework.

Licensed Operators Provide a Legal Path

According to PTA, agreements with licensed telecom operators can provide a legal route for Pakistan Railways to offer internet services on all trains.

This approach would allow Pakistan Railways to provide Wi-Fi to passengers while relying on telecom or satellite companies for connectivity and backhaul services.

The development could help expand onboard internet access without requiring Pakistan Railways to become a commercial telecom operator or obtain rights beyond those granted under its existing special license.