IT projects worth Rs1.06 billion approved

79 unserved, underserved and remote areas in Balochistan, Sindh to be digitised

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication (ITT) Syed Aminul Haque said that as directed by the government, broadband, optical fibre cable (OFC) and other connectivity projects were continuously being rolled out in the rural and urban areas of Sindh without any discrimination.

“A project to provide mobile and high-speed internet services in Tharparkar district, worth over Rs870 million, has been approved,” said the minister, adding that, “it will be complete in 18 months, and will provide mobile and broadband facilities to more than 72 thousand residents of various unserved villages spread over an area of 10,432 sq. km.” According to an official statement, a broadband project for Balochistan has also been approved. The project is said to service over 15,000 people in 19 villages across Gwadar, and will cost approximately Rs188.1 million.

“Completion of these projects will provide the residents, of unserved, underserved and remote areas of Balochistan and Sindh, with an opportunity to connect with the digital world, digitise their daily routines and businesses,” said the statement. USF awarded two contracts worth Rs1.06 billion to Telenor and Ufone to serve the underserved communities of Balochistan and Sindh.