Pakistan Railways cannot directly provide commercial internet services such as passenger WiFi under its existing telecommunications licence, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The regulator informed the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication that the department’s current licence is restricted to its own institutional telecommunications requirements.
The clarification could affect plans to expand Pakistan Railways WiFi services across more trains, particularly as passengers increasingly expect reliable internet connectivity during long journeys.
PTA Explains Existing Licence
In a written report submitted to the Senate committee, PTA said Pakistan Railways was granted a special licence under Section 5(2)(a) of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) Act, 1996.
The licence permits the railway department to establish, operate and maintain a dedicated telecommunications system for non-commercial data and value-added services required for its institutional operations.
However, PTA clarified that the licence does not allow Pakistan Railways to offer telecommunications services directly to the general public on a commercial basis.
This distinction means the department can use its telecommunications infrastructure for its own operational needs but cannot rely on the same licence to independently provide commercial internet connectivity to passengers.
Why Passenger WiFi Is Restricted
According to PTA, the restriction is also consistent with the Telecom Policy 2015. Under the policy, purpose-specific licences issued to government, semi-government and autonomous organisations do not automatically authorize commercial telecommunications operations.
As a result, Pakistan Railways would need to work within the existing regulatory framework if it wants to expand passenger internet services.
The issue is particularly relevant as onboard connectivity becomes a common feature of modern rail networks. Passengers increasingly use smartphones, laptops and other connected devices during journeys for communication, work, entertainment and other online activities.
Expanding Pakistan Railways WiFi could therefore improve the passenger experience, but the service would need to be delivered through an arrangement that complies with telecommunications regulations.
WiFi Available on Only a Few Trains
PTA said Pakistan Railways currently provides internet connectivity on only three to five trains through cellular mobile operators.
This means existing passenger connectivity is already being provided through partnerships with licensed telecommunications companies rather than through Pakistan Railways independently operating a commercial telecom service.
The limited number of connected trains also indicates that expanding internet access across the railway network would require additional infrastructure and commercial arrangements.
Onboard connectivity can be technically challenging because trains travel through areas where cellular coverage may vary. Maintaining a consistent connection requires an appropriate backhaul system and coordination with telecommunications providers.
Cellular and Satellite Options
PTA has suggested that Pakistan Railways could expand Pakistan Railways WiFi services by entering into commercial agreements with licensed cellular or satellite operators.
Under this approach, WiFi equipment installed on trains would provide passengers with a local wireless network. The onboard system would then connect to the internet through a cellular or satellite backhaul.
Cellular networks could provide connectivity along routes where sufficient mobile coverage is available. Satellite services could offer another option for areas where terrestrial connectivity is limited.
Internationally, train operators commonly use terrestrial telecommunications networks, satellite systems or a combination of both to deliver onboard internet services.
A similar partnership-based model could allow Pakistan Railways to expand passenger connectivity without requiring the department to operate as an independent commercial telecommunications provider.
What the Model Could Mean for Passengers
A partnership approach could potentially allow more trains to offer internet access while ensuring that the telecommunications component remains under licensed operators.
For passengers, the main benefit would be broader access to online services during journeys. Reliable connectivity could be particularly useful for people who work remotely, attend online meetings, communicate with family members or need internet access while travelling between cities.
However, the quality of service would depend on factors such as mobile network coverage, available bandwidth, passenger demand and the technology used to connect trains to the wider internet.
Simply installing WiFi equipment inside a train would not guarantee a reliable connection. The train would still need a stable connection to the internet through an appropriate backhaul system.
A Regulatory Path Forward
The PTA clarification does not necessarily prevent Pakistan Railways from expanding passenger internet services. Instead, it establishes that the department cannot use its existing institutional licence to directly operate commercial telecommunications services.
The regulator has already identified a potential route through agreements with licensed cellular and satellite operators.
For Pakistan Railways WiFi, this could provide a practical way forward while keeping the service within the country’s telecommunications regulations.
As Pakistan Railways continues efforts to improve passenger services, internet connectivity could become an increasingly important part of the travel experience. A partnership with licensed telecom and satellite providers may allow the department to expand WiFi availability without changing the fundamental limits of its existing telecommunications licence.
The PTA’s position makes clear that any broader rollout of passenger internet services will need to follow the appropriate commercial and regulatory framework.
