PTCL Tops 500,000 Wireless Broadband Customers

Pakistan Telecommunications Company Limited (PTCL) has announced achieving 500,000 wireless internet customers mark.

Launched in 2009, PTCL’s EVO wireless internet service has grown steadily, and now serves customers in more than 250 cities and towns across Pakistan. PTCL EVO wireless broadband is Pakistan’s fastest wireless internet service, offering customers’ superior internet experience on-the-go, and has also revolutionized the way people connect with each other and reach out to the world with improved learning and development opportunities.

In 2012 alone, the company achieved more than 300,000 wireless customers through its portfolio of wireless products, including EVO 3.1 Mbps, EVO Nitro 9.3 Mbps, EVO Wingle 9.3 Mbps, EVO and Nitro Clouds and EVO Tab.

Furqan Qureshi, PTCL Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) Commercial while commenting on this achievement said, “PTCL has pioneered a broadband revolution in Pakistan through its quality and customer-centric approach. At PTCL, we believe in introducing innovative yet affordable telecom solutions to meet the everyday needs of our customers and this continuous growth in our wireless customer base is a testament to their increasing confidence in our services.”

PTCL wireless broadband also boasts the world’s first & most cutting-edge EV-DO Rev.B commercial network. PTCL is the first telecom operator in the world to commercially launch EV-DO Rev.B products, which offer fast internet connectivity up to 9.3 Mbps.

NIB to Bring Internet Payment Gateway in Pakistan

It appears that the wait for having an online payment processing platform is over now. NIB Bank has announced that it is is brining Internet Payment Gateway in Pakistan that will allow online businesses to charge their customers through debit or credit card for the stuff they will buy on internet.

Establishment of Internet Payment Gateway in Pakistan is long pending, which was first announced by PTA in 2009. After that Bank Al-falah, along with its sister concern, claimed similar deployments but nothing turned into reality.

Agreement between Mastercard and NIB was signed on 5th April 2013 at NIB Bank’s Head Office, Karachi, by Mr. Khurram Agha, Group Head Operations & Technology – NIB Bank and Aurangzaib Khan, Country Manager, Pakistan and Afghanistan for MasterCard.

Now that NIB has partnered with MasterCard it is likely that MasterCard Internet Gateway Service (MiGS) will finally come to Pakistan.

With this service, merchants will be able to charge internet surfers with their debit/credit card for the services or products they sell on internet.

“Now, NIB Bank merchants will be able to process payments from cardholders on their online Web stores in real-time. As a MasterCard acquirer, NIB Bank will offer merchants world class, secure internet payment processing capabilities”, said a statement issued by NIB Bank.

PTCL Offers 100Mbps Broadband for Rs. 26,000 in Limited Areas

Remember when we last told you about PTCL’s (ultra) high speed broadband over FTTH, it appears that things are rolling in the positive direction. PTCL had then denied to share any information with us then, we assume the project was in test phase at that time.

Now – through a WiredPakistan user – we have come to know that high speed broadband services over FTTH are being offered by PTCL in limited areas of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

According to a marketing brochure these high speed broadband services are offered at following prices:

• 4 Mbps: Rs. 2,999
• 6  Mbps: Rs. 5,999
• 8 Mbps: Rs. 7,999
• 10 Mbps: Rs. 10,999
• 20 Mbps: Rs. 13,499
• 50 Mbps: Rs. 15,999
• 100 Mbps: Rs. 25,999

All these packages – if availed – come with unlimited on-net calls and Smart TV services for free. One time installation charges of Rs. 15,000 are applicable.

50 Mbps package appears to be best value and most suitable for various medium to large-sized businesses. Home users, on other hands, will be contented with 10 Mbps at most.

Areas of service availability include F-11 in Islamabad and Centaurus, Blue Area in Islamabad.

It appears that services are being tested as of now as pilot and hence details for service availability is very limited. Internet hungry enthusiast can contact PTCL corporate sales’ staff for further information and service deployment.