Broadband in Sibbi Balochistan
Ufone, a leading telecommunication company in Pakistan, has secured a significant contract worth approximately Rs. 6.78 billion from the Universal Service Fund (USF). The contract aims to provide high-speed mobile broadband services in the Sibbi district of Balochistan province and along Motorway M-8. This development was marked by a contract signing ceremony and the launch of a Research Impact Assessment Study in Islamabad, witnessed by key government officials.
The Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded Ufone, a prominent telecom operator in Pakistan, a contract worth Rs. 6.78 billion to provide high-speed mobile broadband services. The contract aims to improve connectivity and bridge the digital divide in the Sibbi district of Balochistan province and along Motorway M-8.
2. Contract Signing Ceremony
The contract signing ceremony took place in Islamabad and was witnessed by the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque, and the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Agha Hassan Baloch. The ceremony marked an important milestone in the efforts to enhance connectivity in rural areas.
3. Project Details
The contract, signed by Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO of USF, and Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of PTCL & Ufone 4G, includes two major projects. The first project, valued at Rs. 1.96 billion, aims to provide uninterrupted voice and 4G broadband data services to approximately 34,000 individuals residing in 47 Mauzas of the Sibbi district. The second project, worth Rs. 4.82 billion, focuses on ensuring voice and 4G coverage along 478 km of previously unserved road segments along the M-8 motorway.
4. Efforts in Balochistan
The Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication expressed his gratitude towards the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Agha Hassan Baloch, for his support in initiating development projects in Balochistan. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, through the USF, has been actively involved in digital transformation and extending connectivity to the people of Balochistan. Over the past five years, the USF has launched 21 new projects with a total value of Rs. 27.12 billion, aiming to provide 4G broadband services across the province.
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5. Federal Minister’s Appreciation
The Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication commended the efforts of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and the USF in improving the lives of local communities in Balochistan. The projects initiated by the ministry include the deployment of 936 BTS sites to serve approximately 2.9 million people in 2,760 mauzas and the provision of connectivity along 2,205 km of unserved road segments. These efforts have significantly enhanced access to employment opportunities, education, and healthcare facilities.
6. Ministry of Science and Technology’s Support
The Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Agha Hassan Baloch, expressed his gratitude towards the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication for initiating development projects in Balochistan. He emphasized the commitment of the Ministry of Science and Technology to provide full assistance and support for the advancement of the IT industry. He acknowledged the potential of the USF and Ufone in bringing transformative change to the lives and livelihoods of individuals by connecting them to the digital world.
7. CEO of USF’s Remarks
Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO of USF, expressed his delight at witnessing the contract signing ceremony and the launch of the Research Impact Assessment Study. He highlighted the importance of quantifying the level of empowerment within each family and assessing the consumption of e-services to enhance lives. The study aims to provide valuable insights that will enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and prioritize the needs of rural communities effectively.
8. President and Group CEO’s Perspective
Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of PTCL & Ufone 4G, emphasized the crucial role of connectivity in socio-economic development. Ufone 4G believes that connectivity is essential for individuals to access vital services, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Through the strategic partnership between Ufone 4G and the USF, efforts are focused on expanding network connectivity in Sindh and Balochistan. The unique needs of these regions require dedicated efforts to bring them into the digital era and create an inclusive, digitally empowered Pakistan.
9. CEO of Agahi’s View
Puruesh Chaudhary, CEO of Agahi, expressed her honor in witnessing the positive impact of USF’s efforts through the launch of the Research Impact Assessment Study. The study highlights the transformative power of bridging the digital divide and connecting rural communities. By providing access to the digital world, USF has not only brought communities closer but also fostered a sense of community and overall well-being.
10. Conclusion
The contract awarded to Ufone by the USF is a significant step towards enhancing connectivity in rural areas of Balochistan. The projects will provide uninterrupted voice and 4G broadband services to thousands of individuals in the Sibbi district and along the M-8 motorway. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, along with the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology, is committed to improving the lives of local communities by extending access to employment opportunities, education, and healthcare facilities.
