APROPOS letters ‘Broadband and PTA’ (Dec 19), the PTCL clarifies that the information given is incorrect.

The PTCL, in fact, has made huge investment in infrastructure and technology development across the country to help households to grow and the industry to cut both cost and time of doing business through its broadband services.

As for ‘unfair competition and regulatory environment,’ the companies here operate and succeed on the basis of fair play and sustainable growth encouraging provisions of services based on creating value and delivering quality products and services.

The PTCL was the last entrant in the country’s broadband market and while fully abiding by the regulatory regime in place, it embarked upon a journey of continuous success growth. Before the PTCL entry in the broadband scene, Pakistan was hardly visible on the international telecom scene. The PTCL’s exponential growth in the broadband sector has enabled Pakistan to be ranked among top countries with the highest growth rate in broadband Internet.

While exhibiting consistent performance and contributing to broadband success in the last few years, the company has always discouraged getting into price competition, which only results in creating a negative impact on the existing business models, as well as in discouraging future investment.

Universal services fund was established by the government to expand telephony and broadband connectivity to underserved areas. The PTCL has been on the forefront in bridging the digital divide and expanding the Information and Communication Technology services across the country.

The PTCL is a catalyst of economic growth serving more than 1.8 million satisfied customers in over 2,000 towns and villages with more than 50pc of broadband customers being students.

Aqeel Shigri
PTCL
Islamabad