Pakistan Railways cannot use its existing telecommunications license to directly provide commercial internet services to passengers.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the Senate Standing Committee about the matter.
The authority submitted a written report to the committee regarding the department’s telecommunications license.
Pakistan Railways received a special license under Section 5(2)(a) of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) Act, 1996.
The license allows the department to establish and operate a dedicated telecommunications system.
However, the license is limited to noncommercial services for institutional requirements. It does not allow public or commercial telecommunications operations.
PTA said the restriction is also consistent with the Telecom Policy 2015. The policy covers purpose-specific licenses issued to government organizations.
Similar rules apply to semigovernment and autonomous organizations. Their dedicated licenses do not automatically permit commercial telecommunications services.
This means Pakistan Railways cannot independently provide commercial WiFi to passengers under its current license.
At present, Pakistan Railways offers internet connectivity on only three to five trains. The service is provided through cellular mobile operators.
PTA explained that train internet services can operate through different connectivity systems. These include terrestrial telecommunications networks and satellite connections.
A combination of both systems can also provide internet access on trains.
Pakistan Railways could expand WiFi services by partnering with licensed telecommunications companies. It can enter commercial agreements with cellular or satellite operators.
Under this arrangement, onboard WiFi networks would connect to external connectivity providers. The connection could use cellular or satellite backhaul.
This model would allow Pakistan Railways to increase passenger internet access legally. It would also keep the service within existing telecommunications regulations.
The clarification comes as passengers increasingly expect internet connectivity during train journeys. WiFi could provide added convenience, especially on longer routes.
However, Pakistan Railways must rely on licensed operators for commercial internet services. Its current institutional license does not cover such operations.
PTA’s report also outlines a possible way forward for expanding onboard connectivity. Commercial partnerships could allow more trains to offer passenger WiFi.
The department could work with cellular operators where mobile network coverage is suitable. Satellite operators could provide another option for wider connectivity.
The exact technology may depend on network coverage, route conditions and commercial agreements.
The Senate committee was briefed on the issue during its review of telecommunications matters. PTA explained the legal limits surrounding Pakistan Railways’ existing license.
The authority’s clarification means wider WiFi coverage will require cooperation with authorized service providers.
For now, internet access remains available on a limited number of trains through cellular operators.
In other related news also read Pakistan Railways Suspends Karachi Train Services
Pakistan Railways can potentially expand this service through regulated commercial partnerships. Such arrangements would allow passengers to receive broader onboard internet access.
