It seems like PTCL is going through an identity crisis and failing to realize the true problems coming its way. Innovation and great service delivery are claims which PTCL is proud of boasting in advertisements and online placements. Unfortunately, PTCL’s latest product, the PTCL EVO CarFi will fail to catch on and become popular with consumers simply because it does not address any issue people have in an adequate way.
Maybe PTCL will realize this in the comings months, but no one out there is looking for a PTCL EVO device specifically for their car and there are a couple of reasons why.
First, the PTCL EVO Dongle has gone out of style and PTCL has simply failed to match the expansion of telecommunication companies in regards to speed, infrastructure and quality of service. This is exactly why the Zong mobile broadband devices have become such a major hit amongst people. Because Zong’s 3G and 4G internet is of much better quality and at a better price than most others out there.
Before we move on any further, let’s actually discuss what the PTCL EVO CarFi is.
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What is the PTCL EVO CarFi?
Like any other wingle or internet dongle out there, the PTCL EVO CarFi has been created to attract consumers looking to have internet connectivity while driving. Even though this purpose is achievable by plugging in any other internet dongle into your car’s USB port, but PTCL is targeting the less resourceful consumer and hoping to trick them into buying this ‘car specific’ product.
The only major difference between any other internet wingle and the PTCL EVO CarFi is that it plugs into the vehicles cigarette lighter port to create a WiFi hotspot. The packages, data plans and signal coverage is all the same as the regular PTCL EVO devices, such as the Chaarji.
Here is the product description of the PTCL EVO CarFi, which is available on the PTCL website:
- Plug-n-Play C@rFi Product – Simply plug into your vehicle cigarette lighter port to create a WiFi hotspot – no installations, no hassle.
- Superior 3G Experience with Speeds upto 9.3 Mbps in 250 cities & towns across Pakistan.
- Connects up to 5 WiFi gadgets simultaneously.
- MicroSD Slot supports upto 32 GB.
- MicroSD Data Sharing Over WiFi (Secure access to folders of choice over WiFi Interface, Users can share documents with colleagues or music & video clips with friends and family).
- Perfect for on-the-go connectivity.
- WiFi Range: 10 Meters (30 feet)
All of this can be yours for a price of just PKR 4,000. Again, there are a number of cheaper and better performing alternatives out there you could explore. We’ll take a look at some of those below and show you just why the PTCL EVO CarFi will fail to catch on.
I would like to mention though that this bundle, according to PTCL, does come with a free 3-6 months of internet depending on which bundle you select. Cash On Deliver (COD) is also available for people living in the cities of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Taxila, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Quetta, Abbottabad, Sialkot, Gujranwala and Karachi.
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Which Bundles Are Available for the PTCL EVO CarFi?
PTCL hasn’t ever been too generous when it comes to offering data bundles for its EVO/Internet dongle products. That was the biggest reason why I and many other people changed over to Zong and similar service providers. Only to get out of the hassle of running out of data every month, only 15 days into it.
PTCL seriously needs to reconsider the options it offers to consumers because with the PTCL EVO CarFi, there are only two bundles coming with it right now.
PKR 4,000 for 15 GB for 3 Months
PKR 5,000 for 30 GB for 6 Months
Not a whole lot of data for even the average users of today. Make sure you make a smart decision here and don’t go running after the PTCL EVO CarFi if you’re going to run out of data in the first 10 days of getting the device because data out of the plan can become very costly, very fast.
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What Better Options Do You Have Than the PTCL EVO CarFi?
Well, there are quite a few. The biggest advantage of getting any of these would mean not only a better data plan, but also wider coverage. PTCL EVO devices do not have the best reputation for having good signal quality, especially when you get out of the major city areas. On the other hand, telecom networks are spread far and wide and provide a solid signal wherever you are.
The biggest reason why anyone would want to get a specific internet dongle for their car is most likely planning to travel long and hard on the motorway, highways or GT Road. Simply put, the PTCL EVO CarFi would most likely fail in most areas where you would really want the device to work.
Better Alternative 1: The Zong 4G Bolt
Cost: PKR 2,000 with monthly bundles from 24 GB to 200 GB based on your needs.
For PKR 4,500 , you could get the Zong 4G Bolt and a monthly 50GB package compared to the lousy 30 GB you would get with the PTCL EVO CarFi for PKR 5,000.
Better Alternative 2: Telenor 4G Wingle
Cost: PKR 2,000 with monthly bundles from 20 GB to 180 GB depending on your consumption requirements.
Again, for just PKR 4,200, you can get a Telenor 4G Wingle with 55 GBs of data. A much better bargain than the new PTCL EVO CarFi device.
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Ending Thoughts on the PTCL EVO CarFi
Instead of coming up with products people just don’t need, it would be better if PTCL focused on improving its underground fiber infrastructure and service quality. I can name dozens of people who are fed up with PTCL DSL services and have gone rogue and prefer limited data caps with these internet wingles to their unlimited DSL.
It’s imperative for consumers to know that they have much better options and should spend their hard-earned money wisely.
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What do you think about the all-new PTCL EVO CarFi? Do you believe that it will be a success or a major flop? Let us know is the comments section below or on the official TechBizWeb Facebook page!
