Pakistan Telecommunications Authority allows ISPs to launch DSL broadband operations

["farhan" <farhan@visualsoft-inc.com>]

Pakistan Telecommunications Authority allows ISPs to launch DSL
broadband operations 

The News, By Imran Ayub 
10/15/2003 
http://www.jang-group.com/thenews/oct2003-daily/15-10-2003/business/b1.h
tm 
   
KARACHI: Pakistan Telecommunications Authority has allowed Internet
service providers to launch digital subscriber loop-based (DSL)
broadband operations and warned to take action against unlicensed
broadband providers.

"PTA (Pakistan Telecommunications Authority) has finally allowed ISPs
(Internet service providers) to offer broadband services dismissing an
appeal filed by already operating broadband firms, which prayed not to
give such permission to ISPs," said a source close to telecom regulator
adding "the authority has warned the banned broadband firms of legal
action under section 31 of Telecom Act".

The PTA had reserved the decision last week on Internet service
providers' plea seeking licenses for DSL-based broadband operation in
the country and an appeal against the ban by the firms found involved in
carrying on broadband operations without any licence.

"PTA believes its decision will facilitate the provision of high
quality, efficient, cost effective and competitive telecommunication
services throughout Pakistan," said a PTA official wishing not to be
named.

DSL broadband is a modern technology that converts existing twisted pair
telephone lines into access path for high-speed communication of various
sorts. The technology converts an ordinary telephone line into a
high-speed broadband digital link.

"DSL is faster than both Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and
leased line, yet is more cost effective. With DSL Internet connection is
'always on', and the users have unlimited access to Internet," said head
of an ISP.

He added the DSL makes downloading speed ten times faster than that of
an analogue modem. "In addition, it enables single line users to remain
connected to both telephone and the Internet at the same time," he said.

PTA in its decision also expressed concern over quality of Internet
services. "The quality of Internet access in the country is not up to
the international standards. The decision to open up DSL will
revolutionise the entire Internet based services offered to users," said
the source quoting the decision.

"It will as well bring to an end the monopoly of existing four DSL
operators in the country and ultimately make available to the users
competitive and cost effective DSL services," added PTA decision.

Broadband technology was brought into the country a few years back with
high expectations it would make Internet services faster, but it failed
to attract more clients due to high cost and poor service.

The ISPs representatives argued during the hearing PTCL could not sell
more than 1,000 DSL ports in two years, which they are waiting to sell
to their genuine clients.