Wateen Telecom Ltd has been awarded a Rs2.4 billion project to develop an optical fibre network in Balochistan. The project, a joint collaboration between the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Wateen, entails the laying of over 1,100 kilometres of an optical fibre network in northern Balochistan. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, speaking as the chief guest at the contract signing ceremony on Wednesday, underlined the significance of telecommunications and information technology in making the world a global village.
Gilani described the USF optic fibre cable project as an important initiative on the part of federal government as it ensures telecommunication services in various parts of the province. The PM said that under this programme about 5,500km of optic fibre will be laid in Balochistan connecting 44 tehsil headquarters and 29 smaller towns in the province besides creating job opportunities for the local youth. “Four of these five Rs7.1 billion projects are already under execution and the last one is being signed today which will benefit about 5.2 million users after completion,” Gilani said.
The new optical fibre network will connect 20 unserved cities and towns, including Gulistan, Musakhel, Barshor, Duki, Harnai, Ziarat, Sinjawi, Zhob, Sherani and Qamardinkarez, a Wateen press release said. It also said that the project aims to provide state of the art digital infrastructure in the remote areas of Balochistan.
Along with the Prime Minister, Governor Balochistan Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi, Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani, Federal Information Minister Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, and other key dignitaries were all present at the event.
Wateen’s press release also stated that it is already working with USF on four broadband and three optical fibre projects in underserved areas of Balochistan, Sindh and Punjab, with subsidies worth a total of Rs2.8 billion. It further stated that these existing projects entail optical fibre networks spanning over 3,300km and 94,500 broadband subscribers, 246 education broadband centres and 72 community broadband centres.
Commenting on the project, Wateen CEO Naeem Zamindar said, “The Balochistan Project is the first step in this long journey towards achieving nationwide connectivity – a journey that will change the lives of many Pakistanis for the better. We are proud to be leading this monumental and historic effort.”
WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP
Published in The Express Tribune, July 14th, 2011.
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@Word Life: I hope Wateen's share price recovers because of this. Already, Inter-city optic fibre network is the only area from where it is earning any revenue, otherwise WiMAX is doomed.
Well ... this money cannot be invested in providing other utilities since this is being executed under USF (Universal Service Fund), which is a pool of fund where every telecom operator contributes. The only purpose of USF is to provide for telecom services in under-served, and areas with not much of high income levels.
I am sure this will bring a positive change in lives of many people in Balochistan. Telecom is a necessity, if you want to bring investment and make it a business hub.
It's nice efforts for the people of Balochistan. Definitely government and local establishments will also provide other basic necessaries to Baloch people. IT & Telecom has became a part of life in current time and my friends from Balochistan are very happy at this initiative.
Yes, better to not criticize such projects. Only private investments can be successful in current scenario. Govt is extremely corrupt so if Govt itself is launching any project that I doubts its completion but InshAllah this project will be completed in time. Surely, it will open new business activity in region and benefits to people.
Wateen share price should register an increase from the current 2.19 per share ...
Yes, one must not criticize just for the sake of it. It is a good step. And please don't tell me there's no clean drinking water in Balochistan. Most parts do have it and Inshallah others will receive.
@imran khalid: Dont criticize for the sake of criticizing.. Telecommunications are necessary.. Better than ruining 12 billion per year in sasti roti scheme like CM Shahbaz Sharif.. But i hope there is no corruption in this project..
a province with no clean water, electricity, road would have optic fibre...its like installing Air Conditioner in Hut....Can,t they invest same 4Bln in proding basic necessities to our Balochi people?