The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that Pakistan Railways cannot directly provide commercial internet services to passengers under its existing telecom licence.

In a written report submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, PTA said the railway department holds a special telecom licence restricted to institutional and non-commercial use.

Commercial Wi-Fi requires partnerships

The authority explained that government institutions with such licences cannot operate as commercial telecom providers under the existing telecom policy. Pakistan Railways is currently offering internet connectivity on only three to five trains through cellular operators.

PTA said the department can expand Wi-Fi services by signing commercial agreements with cellular companies. Under these arrangements, onboard Wi-Fi networks can connect to telecom operators’ backhaul infrastructure.

The clarification means Pakistan Railways can improve passenger internet access through partnerships while remaining within the limits of its current licence.