Rs 2.4 billion project, named USF Balochistan Package 4 (BP-4) has been awarded to Wateen Telecom Ltd for developing an extensive optical fiber network in Baluchistan.
The project involves laying of over 1,100 km of an optical fiber network in Balochistan. USF will provide Rs 1.975 billion as subsidy while the remaining cost will be borne by Wateen.
Twenty previously not served cities and towns will be connected by the new optical fibre network. These include Gulistan, Musakhel, Barshor, Duki, Harnai, Ziarat, Sinjawi, Zhob, Sherani and Qamardinkarez. Wateen in collaboration with the Universal Service Fund Company (USF Co.) has undertaken this project of national importance. This will help in bridging the digital divide that exists in the country. The project is being funded through a USF subsidy, which will also provide state of the art digital infrastructure in remote areas of Balochistan. Thus it could be further used to build IT, telecom, education, health and business services in these areas. The signing ceremony was held in Quetta on Wednesday. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was the chief guest at the ceremony, which was also attended by Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Khan Raisani, Mr Saeed Ahmad Khan, Secretary IT, PTA Chairman Dr Yaseen Malik, and other key dignitaries. Mr Zamindar said, “The Balochistan Project is but the first step in this long journey towards achieving nationwide connectivity.
