PTCL ONU Service – Point Of Criticism?
PTCL launched triple-play service:
Pakistan telecommunication limited introduced a triple play service. Subscribers of that service can enjoy more than 100 TV channels, DSL and a regular phone service all just on one phone line. PTCL sources claimed that PTCL has invested 3.5 Billion PKR in this project and the triple-play service will charge PTCL customers around 1,500 Rupees per month.
One may be wondering that what is the difference between the earlier DSL provided by PTCL before the launch of triple play service and after the launch. Answer is simple that is company has overhauled its system and has replaced copper wires with optical fiber system completely to ensure best possible service. That’s why this service is also termed as ONU service; Optical Network Units service. Actually Optical network units have been installed in several exchanges to provide efficient and quality service via optical cables system. Company is investing without any offenses and hesitation just to provide best possible service to customers that there is. This point can be justified by the fact that one ONU costs rupees 10 million and more than 350 ONUs have been installed from exchanges to telephone cabinets.
Can we afford such technologies?
Before the launch of ONU connections there were old copper cables acting as a medium between telephone and exchange they didn’t need any source to boost their signals up. But fiber optics needs an electric source in order to connect to exchange, MEANS NO ELECTRICITY NO CONNECTION, then in a country like Pakistan where we are facing severe power cut issues how can we afford such latest system??
There are a few statements coming from PTCL sources about the backup batteries installed in the cabinets that can keep connection up till 6 to 7 hours in case of load shedding, but on the other hand the subscribers are wildly complaining about no such backups and frequent connectivity loss in case of power cut.
So is this ADVANCEMENT?
Today, when this super service has been launched we are still sitting on the issue tables and trying to justify that ONU connections are much better than the old copper ones’
Whatever we conclude, whatever we tell to media one thing is clear that in this deadly load shedding phase People can’t afford ONU system. I am not saying the service is bad or substandard but I am just pointing out the inefficiency of our institutes. They have spent so much money on the ONU service without creating its basics that is electricity.
Moreover, I think subscribers of ONU connections can still afford lack of DSL connectivity during load shedding but what about the call service which also drops along with the TV and internet during load shedding, as obviously that is also depending on optical fiber networks. So, No light No TV, No net and No CALLS even.
Isn’t it the point of criticism for anyone?? Yes it is!!!
