We shifted to a new place in Block 11, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Karachi, a month ago. The previous owner had Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) broadband installed and even the cable was there.
When I contacted the local PTCL office to resume service, the agent happily informed me that I was getting a free upgrade to a faster speed and that the connection would be there within a few days.
Before I could start feeling good about the upgrade, I received a text message later the same day, saying that the PTCL was unable to provide service in our area. I called the office again, telling the official that the PTCL cable was right there before my eyes, literally waiting to be activated.
An apology was offered, and I was once again promised a free upgrade. Once again I received a message that the service could not be provided.
This cycle of promises and apologies repeated itself twice more. That forced us to use the patchy service from a local cable internet provider.
It is incredible that even decades after having been privatised, the PTCL continues to operate pretty much like a government-owned entity that is apathetic towards its customers, oblivious to competition, and susceptible to influence by local vested interest. What a shame!
TALHA BIN HAMID
KARACHI
