KARACHI, July 10: The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has further reduced its IP bandwidth tariff, which will directly benefit the internet service providers (ISPs), data network operators (DNOPs) and the call centre industry in Pakistan.

A PTCL media release on Tuesday claimed the decision was taken to facilitate and support the government’s policy for the proliferation of information technology throughout the country.

The rates for IP bandwidth have been slashed from the existing level of US$1,600 per E1 per month to $1,000 per E1 per month in Karachi (a reduction of 37 per cent). The new rate for cities and locations other than Karachi has been set at $1,200 per E1 per month (a reduction of 25 per cent).

Along with the drop in IP bandwidth charges, the copper loop charge for DSL service providers has also been reduced from the current rate of Rs217 per month to Rs150 per month (a reduction of 30 per cent). The reduced charges are applicable from July 1, 2007.

The PTCL claimed these new rates will help lower the cost of ICT services and enable the provision of more affordable solutions for not only consumers but also stimulate the growth of industries such as call centres and IT solution providers.