PTCL Upgrades 2MB DSL Speeds to 4MB for Limited Time

PTCL has announced that it is upgrading its 2 MB broadband DSL costumers to 4MB for free.

The promotion will allow 2 MB users to enjoy double speeds of 4MB speeds for same rates, i.e. at Rs. 1,549 per month till December 31st, 2013, after which customers will have to pay the regular 4MB charges which are Rs. 1,999 per month.

PTCL said that it is automatically upgrading all customers, however, those who would not want to keep 4MB speeds can opt out of promotion by calling 1236.

This is not the first time that PTCL has upgraded its existing customers. However, the practice of automatically upgrading the speeds has seen criticism in the past. Customers are usually of the opinion that company should not upgrade speeds if the promotion is for limited time.

Content of Policy Directive for Next Generation (3G) Telecom Licenses

Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, earlier this month, issued the policy directive for the auction of 3G / next generation telecom licenses. MoIT had said that the policy for auction of next-gen licenses was approved by Mr. Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

This policy directive was handed over to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for the implementation of license auction, for which PTA is already perusing with all its resources.

Here is the full content of the policy directive on the auction of next generation telecom licenses:

• PTA will be responsible for transparent and competitive auction of the next-gen spectrum.
• The directive said that allotment of spectrum will be technology neutral and will be usable for technologies standardized for 3G and advanced generation(s) of mobile services.
• As identified by Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), a 30 MHz paired spectrum in 1.9GHz/2.1GHz band will be auctioned to telecom operators.
• PTA is entrusted to carry out the auction process, fulfilling the policy objective of optimal outcome mitigating chances of collusion among bidders.
• Auction shall by accordingly conducted by PTA in the minimum possible time after the issuance of this directive.
• PTA shall carry out the appointment of internationally reputed consultant(s) with following terms of references (TORs):
  • Identify the number and size of blocks to be auctioned considering the market situation
  • Recommend the most appropriate auction methodology and plan
  • Recommend the reserve price for auction
  • Design and management of auction process
  • Analyse potential impact on auction price with respect to upfront payment of the bid price versus staggered payment over five years and recommend the optimal bidding procedures
  • Develop a license template for new license
  • Any other allied matter relating to the auction and any assignments deemed necessary by PTA
• Reserve price of 1 MHz will be finalized by the Federal Government after recipient of report from consultants.
• All existing cellular mobile operators as well as new entrants will be eligible to participate in the auction
• A new license for the provision of next generation mobile services will be issued to the successful bidders/auction winners.
• The tenure of the new license will be 15 years.
• For efficient and optimal rollout of next generation mobile services, cost-based sharing of infrastructure shall be considered as a matter of first priority by cellular operators at the time of rollout.
• PTA shall prepare detailed guidelines for infrastructure sharing with the view to provide level-playing field to both existing as well as new entrant(s).
• Existing licensee would provide National Roaming on request by any New Entrant(s) or as directed by PTA, as deemed appropriate.
• Auction winners will encourage and facilitate local manufacturing, assembling and development of telecom equipment, terminal devices, applications, transfer of technology and Research & Innovation in Pakistan
• Auction winners may deploy renewable energy sources as power back up.
• The advisory committee shall be kept informed/updated by PTA regarding the progress of auction process and on tasks assigned to the consultant(s).
• Recommendations brought forward by consultant(s) will be shared by advisory committee, which may review any provision contained in the policy directive.
• With the issuance of this policy directive, the earlier policy directive for 3G license auction (issued on December 19th, 2011) stands suspended.

It maybe recalled that PTA has already published advertisement in international and national media to hire consultants. Last date for applying for the job is November 12th, 2013. It is likely that PTA will be able to select consultants around the last week of November.

After appointment of consultants, one to two month period will be required to prepare IM, a document that will detail the procedure, methodology, price and other information on the auction.

IM will also contain an auction date – likely to be one month after the issuance of IM.

In simpler words, 3G auction date is still at least four months from now.

PTCL Posts Rs. 100 Billion Revenues for Nine Months of 2013

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) today announced consolidated revenues of Rs. 100.5 billion for nine months period that ended on September 30, 2013.

The financial results for the period ended September 2013 were announced today at the Company’s Board of Directors (BoD) meeting held in Islamabad.

PTCL group posted a revenue growth of 16% with Net Profit amounting to Rs. 11.3 billion for the period under review, while Gross Profit stood at Rs.  35.98 billion.

PTCL’s revenue stood at Rs 60.7 billion and showed a significant increase of 31%, with Net Profit standing at Rs.  9.3 billion, while Gross Profit was recorded at Rs.  20.8 billion.

Walid Irshaid, President & CEO PTCL expressed his pleasure at this strong performance of the company adding that,

Our results reflect the strength of our business model and strong commitment of our team.

Our business decisions are geared towards adding value for our stakeholders while continuously seeking avenues for innovation in terms of our products and service offerings

PTCL is on a growth trajectory and our revenues are increasingly being driven from broadband services. We have been investing heavily to build broadband infrastructure over the last two years and this investment has started to bring dividends.

The company continues to increase its market share in both wireline and wireless broadband as well as specialized telecom solutions segments by introducing state-of-the-art products and unmatched affordable services.

PTCL is also steadily bringing ICT services to urban and rural areas of the country.

PTCL Announces One-Year Internship Program 2013

PTCL is opening its doors to fresh grads and DAE diploma holders. After successful graduation of 500 interns in various discipline in first batch – last year – PTCL has now announced one-year internships to energetic, ambitious and qualified youth for the second time.

PTCL said that internship opportunities are available across the Pakistan.

Open to energetic and ambitious fresh graduates of Business, Finance, HR and Engineering (Including Associate Engineers), PTCL One-Year Paid Internship Program features hands-on experience of thriving business operations & practices; attractive stipends; exposure to cutting-edge ICTs & platforms; development of professional skills & competencies; access to dynamic corporate environment & culture; and interaction/engagement with acclaimed industry leaders.

Here are the requirements:

• Qualification:
  • Information Technology (IT): MCS, BCS (Hons), BIT (Hons), BBA-IT
  • Business Administration: MBA (HR/ Marketing), BBA (Hons)
  • Finance & Accounting: MBA (Finance), M.Com, B.Com (Hons), ICMA, CA Inter or 16 years equivalent degree/ Qualification in
    (Accounts/ Finance/ Commerce) fields
  • Engineers: BE/BS Engineering (Electrical, Electronics, Telecom, Computers)
  • Diploma Holders: DAE (Electrical, Electronics, Telecom, Computers) or B-Tech
• Criteria
  • Minimum criteria would be CGPA 2.80/70% aggregate for Business, IT Graduates & Engineers
  • Minimum 60% aggregate for Diploma holders or B-tech
  • Age limit 18-25 years
  • Study completion year should be 2012-13. Candidates completed their education before 2012 are not
    eligible to apply.
• Location:
  • The internship opportunities are available all over Pakistan.

Apply Online here

Last Date for Application Submission: Wednesday, 23rd October 2013