Islamabad, July 13, 2023 – The Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded a contract worth approximately Rs6.78 billion to Ufone for providing High-Speed Mobile Broadband services in the Sibbi district of Balochistan province and Motorway M-8.
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Projects worth Rs8 bn launched for broadband services
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) has launched seven more projects worth over Rs8 billion to provide broadband services to over 2.5 million people in the un-served and under-served areas of the four provinces.
Out of total amount for the projects around Rs 3.5 billion projects allocated for Balochistan, according to a statement issued on Monday.
The projects were approved here on Monday at the 81st meeting of the Board of Directors of the Universal Service Fund (USF), since then, the number of projects for providing optical fiber cable and broadband services from 2018 to date has reached a record 56 and the total cost (subsidy) has exceeded Rs 52 billion.
READ MORE: Telenor gets Rs1.36bn contract for broadband services
The meeting was chaired by Secretary IT & Telecom and Chairman USF Board Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput while Chairman PTA Major General (Retd) Amir Azeem Bajwa, Member Telecom Muhammad Umar Malik, CEO Telenor Irfan Wahab Khan, Imran Akhtar Shah, Kokab Iqbal, Sibte Hassan Gardezi and other officials were present.
Chief Executive Officer USF Haaris Mahmood Chaudhry gave a detailed briefing to the Board about the projects.
READ MORE: Jazz awarded project worth Rs344 million for providing broadband service
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Amin-Ul-Haque, while congratulating the USF Board on the launch of the projects, said that whatever the political situation, the MOITT and its subsidiaries, especially the Universal Service Fund, continue to perform.
He said that Ministry of IT through USF is committed to connect the people in remote areas with digital world.
The minister said projects started during the tenure of present government are being ensured to complete in stipulated time. While for all the projects under the rules only the lowest bidding telecom operators were selected, he said.
Earlier addressing the meeting, Secretary IT and Chairman USF Board Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput said that the provision of broadband services to the residents of the un-served and under-served areas of the country is as much needed as for the big cities.
READ MORE: Telenor gets contract for providing broadband services
He said that while the implementation of projects for the four provinces has been ensured under the rules and regulations, the projects worth Rs 3.57 billion have been approved in principle, giving special importance to the deprived Balochistan.
Dr. Sohail Rajput further said that although the wide area of Balochistan and the provision of broadband services to the spread population is costlier than any other area, but the Board under the direction of Federal Minister for IT Syed Amin-Ul-Haque always included Balochistan in its priorities.
Meanwhile, according to the Projects approved at the USF Board of Directors meeting, the project to provide 4G services in Qila Saifullah and Zhob in Balochistan has been awarded to Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (Ufone) with total subsidy is Rs 3.57 billion while the completion period would be 18 months.
The project would facilitate to more than one hundred thousand populations of 111 villages spread over an area of 8,408 sq. km.
The plan to provide broadband services in Jhang, Bhakkar and Toba Tek Singh districts of Punjab has been given to Pakistan Mobile Company Limited (Jazz) on which the amount of subsidy given is Rs. 2.25 billion with one-year completion time.
READ MORE: Contracts worth Rs5.11 billion awarded for next generation broadband
In a short span of time, facilities will be provided to a population of over 1 million in 722 villages spread over an area of 8,925 sq. km. The meeting also approved the project of uninterrupted Voice and Broadband services on 95 km section of Hakla D.I Khan Motorway connecting Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Mianwali, Attock and Rawalpindi districts to Jazz at a subsidy of Rs 375.33 million.
Similarly, a plan to provide broadband service in six Mauzas on the outskirts of Islamabad has been handed over to Jazz at a cost of Rs. 11 million.
A project to provide mobile services in a Mauza of Mandi Bahauddin has also been handed over to Jazz at a cost of Rs. 22.6 million.
Under optical fiber cable (OFC) program, 555 km long fiber optical cable laying project in Larkana and Qambar Shahdad Kot districts of Sindh has been given to PTCL with total subsidy of Rs. 1.61 billion and completion period is one year.
By connecting the 62 union councils of these districts, it will be possible to provide high speed connectivity to the population of more than 1.2 million.
Another project under Optical Fiber Cable Program, PTCL was also given a project to lay 106 km long cable for a population of more than 136,000 in 6 Union Councils of Haripur and Islamabad out of total cost Rs. 410 million, the subsidy approved of Rs 235 million.
In addition, the USF Board of Directors has approved in principle the appointment of Ms. Alia Afridi from among the 3 shortlisted names after interviews of 37 candidates on the recommendations of the Human Resource Committee for the post of Company Secretary in the Universal Service Fund.
Ms. Alia Afridi has high academic qualifications and significant experience in the related field.
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Telenor gets Rs1.36bn contract for broadband services
ISLAMABAD: Telenor has been granted a contract worth Rs1.36 billion for providing high speed broadband services in Chaghi and Nushki districts of Balochistan.
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Telenor gets contract for providing broadband services
ISLAMABAD: Telenor Pakistan has been awarded contract worth Rs555 million for providing mobile broadband services in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Jazz awarded project worth Rs344 million for providing broadband service
ISLAMABAD: The Universal Service Fund (USF) on Monday awarded contract worth approximately Rs344 million to Jazz for providing High Speed Mobile Broadband services in Jacobabad, Shikarpur & Kashmore districts of Sindh province.
Federal Minister for Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar and Federal Minister for Privatization, Mian Muhammad Somroo witnessed the contract signing ceremony in Jacobabad on Monday.
The contract was signed by Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO, USF with Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, Jazz. Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque said, “Sindh is not governed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) or Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and for the past 12 years, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has been occupying the province- a party that does not care about the people or their interests.During its 12 years in power, PPP gave the people of this province nothing but poverty, unemployment, broken roads, sewerage and water issues, along with health and education problems. Journalists are also being subjected to false charges, bullying, intimidation, torture and even murder. We strongly condemn this and demand that the cases against the journalists be dropped immediately and that justice be provided to the families of the ones who were martyred.”
The Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication added that necessary steps were being taken for the development of Sindh including the provision of High Speed Mobile Broadband services to millions of residents of Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore and surrounding areas.
Syed Amin Ul Haque said that the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has launched 9 projects worth over Rs8.48 billion in the last two years focusing on improvement of network coverage and provision of High Speed Mobile Broadband services along with a number of optical fiber cable projects in Sindh.
The completion of these projects will provide facilities to 17.7 Million people in 19 districts of the province. Currently, 1,900 km of optical fiber cable is being laid which will serve educational institutions, health centers and businesses, allowing citizens to access High Speed Internet.
He added that within the next few days, a 709 km long optical fiber cable project will be launched at a cost of PKR 2.1 Billion, making it another important milestone in digitalizing Pakistan. Syed Amin Ul Haque said that an indication of Sindh government and its Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah’s lack of interest in the people of the province was the fact that he never participated in the launch events for these welfare projects, despite being invited by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication several times. He added that the Sindh government was not concerned about the public and public-interest projects.
He stated, “We have not made false promises to you, but have framed our plans and are beginning to take practical steps for Sindh. Because we believe in the politics of service, we have nothing to do with the politics of opposition.”
He prompted journalists to hold the Chief Minister of Sindh accountable for development funds of more than PKR 1500 Billion that were sanctioned for the people of Sindh in the past 12 years and question where such a huge amount was spent and how has it improved lives of the citizens.
While addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar and Federal Minister for Privatization, Muhammad Mian Soomro thanked the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque for launching projects worth billions of rupees for the province of Sindh.
Sharing his views on the development, CEO Jazz, Aamir Ibrahim said, “Jazz invested US$ 462 million during the last two years mainly to expand its 4G footprint in rural and semiurban areas and bridge the digital divide as we collaborate with the Government of Pakistan in realizing the #DigitalPakistan vision.
“Today, close to 60 percent of Pakistan’s population has access to Jazz’s 4G network. Through this contract, Jazz in collaboration with USF will equip over a million unserved residents of Jacobabad, Kashmore and Shikarpur districts with high-speed mobile broadband, creating socioeconomic opportunities and uplifting lives.”
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Telenor awarded contract worth Rs1.37bn for high speed broadband services
ISLAMABAD: Telenor, a leading mobile phone operator in Pakistan, has been awarded a contract worth Rs1.37 billion for providing high speed mobile broadband services in various districts of Kyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A statement issued on Wednesday said that the Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded contract worth approximately PKR 1.37 billion to Telenor for providing High Speed Mobile Broadband services in Chitral, Upper Dir and Lower Dir districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Overseas Pakistanis & HRD, Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari witnessed the contract signing ceremony held at the USF Office, Islamabad.
The contracts were signed by Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO, USF with Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor. The Federal Secretary for IT & Telecommunication and Chairman USF Board, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, Chairman PTA, Major General (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa and other Officials were also present at the ceremony.
Chief Guest of the ceremony, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque said: “With the help of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), districts of Chitral, Upper Dir and Lower Dir can achieve better visibility, communication and integration into economic and tourism flows. High Speed Mobile Broadband services will enhance tourism and attract tourists, thus creating jobs. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication will continue close cooperation to support the tourism industry of Pakistan and provide the basis for achieving sustainable rural development.”
Furthermore, he extended his warm felicitation to the teams of USF and Telenor on the contract signing and emphasized on making Digital Pakistan vision a reality. Guest of Honor of the ceremony, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Overseas Pakistanis & HRD, Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari while congratulating USF and Telenor on the signing of the contract said, “The use of ICT in tourism is a welcoming step for the residents of Chitral, Upper Dir and Lower Dir districts. High speed internet connectivity will expedite activity in the region and make the travel process efficient and pleasant.”
In addition, he expressed gratitude to the Federal Minister and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication for the guidance and support. Sharing his views on the development, CEO Telenor Pakistan, Irfan Wahab Khan said: “We are committed to ensure the basic right of connectivity to the people of Pakistan. At Telenor Pakistan, we are driven to continue empowering the country by bridging the digital divide, creating access to opportunities and uplifting the lives of millions. We stand firm in our commitment of connecting people to what matters most to them and aim to continue providing opportunities in the future.”
Also, sharing his thoughts at the ceremony, CEO USF, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary said: “This project will benefit an unserved population of 0.7 Million in 648 unserved mauzas, thereby covering an unserved area of 18,212 sq. km. of Chitral, Upper Dir and Lower Dir districts. We are committed to empowering the unserved and unserved communities of Pakistan and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with Telenor.”
Moreover, he thanked the Federal Minister and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication for adopting policies and mechanisms that are supportive of the digital revolution of tourist places.
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Contracts worth Rs5.11 billion awarded for next generation broadband
ISLAMABAD: The Universal Service Fund (USF) on Monday approved award of contracts to Telenor, Zong, Ufone and PTCL worth Rs5.11 billion through the Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development program and the Next Generation Optical Fiber Network and Services program.
Federal Secretary Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui chaired 74th Board of Directors meeting of Universal Service Fund (USF) on Monday.
PTCL is being awarded the contract of Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur and Khairpur districts in the province of Sindh.
The Next Generation Optical Fiber Network and Services projects worth approximately Rs3 billion is aimed at laying of 1078 km of Optical Fiber Cable to connect 140 villages and union councils thereby providing high speed mobile broadband services to an unserved population of approximately 4.7 million.
Moreover, the Board also approved award of contracts under the Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development Program worth Rs2 billion to Telenor, Zong and Ufone.
Telenor is being awarded the contract of Chitral, Upper Dir and Lower Dir districts in the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa whereby an unserved population of around 0.7 million will benefit from high speed mobile broadband services in 648 unserved villages and an approximate unserved area of 18,212 sq. km.
Likewise, Zong is being awarded the contract of Karachi West and Malir districts in the province of Sindh that will benefit an unserved population of approximately 0.1 million in 36 unserved villages and approximately 690 sq. km of unserved area.
Similarly, Ufone is being awarded the contract of Mastung and Ziarat districts in the province of Balochistan to serve an unserved population of approximately 0.1 million in 226 unserved villages and an approximate unserved area of 6,324 sq. km.
During the meeting, Federal Secretary Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui said that as advised by the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque, the basic purpose of these projects is not only to promote tourism infrastructure of the country but also to connect rural population with the digital world.
He also said that the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication is leaving no stone unturned to provide broadband services to every Pakistani and accomplish Digital Pakistan vision; therefore, people should remain hopeful that such development interventions will reach them soon as well.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of USF, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary briefed the Board members about the projects. He thanked the Federal Minister, Syed Amin Ul Haque, the Federal Secretary and Chairman of USF Board, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui and the Board members for entrusting him. He stated that USF ensures merit, transparency and timely completion of projects.
Furthermore, he added that USF’s contribution to Digital Pakistan vision remains distinguished. Other board members comprising Maj. Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa, Chairman PTA; Shabahat Ali Shah, CEO-NITB; Irfan Wahab, CEO-Telenor Pakistan; Imran Akhtar Shah, VP for Government Sales, Super Net Pvt Ltd and Nominee of Data Licensees; Rashid Khan, CEO-PTCL and Nominee of Fixed Line Operators; Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman-Consumer Association of Pakistan and Nominee of Consumer Group; Muhamad Omar Malik, Member- Telecom and management of USF Co. also attended the meeting.
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Telenor awarded Rs588 million contract for providing hi-speed broadband
ISLAMABAD: The Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded contract worth Rs588 million to Telenor Pakistan for providing hi-speed broadband in Sanghar Lot (Sindh).
Federal Minister IT & Telecom, Syed Amin ul Haque inaugurated the Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development project in Sanghar (Districts of Sanghar and Umerkot) at a ceremony held at Ministry of IT & Telecom on Thursday.
The contract was signed by Haaris Mahmood Chaudhry, CEO USF and Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan. Secretary IT, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui was also present at the ceremony.
Chief Guest of the ceremony, Syed Amin ul Haque stated that under the vision of Digital Pakistan, the Ministry of IT & Telecom is taking concrete steps to spread the benefits of digitalization to the masses.
He said that during the spread of Coronavirus, Ministry of IT & Telecom will keep on making efforts to ensure that broadband connectivity helps us overcome this crisis.
He added that the key stakeholders in IT & Telecom sector should work together vigorously to come up with innovative ways for fighting against Covid 19 through technology.
He congratulated the teams of USF and Telenor Pakistan and also hoped that they will continue to achieve these milestones in future as well.
While sharing his views at the ceremony, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui said that the main objective of USF is to facilitate the masses through broadband technology in the country.
He added that during the coronavirus pandemic, Ministry of IT & Telecom is making sure that broadband connectivity plays an integral part in creating ease for people.
He further said that USF projects are already making a huge difference in lives of people and with the new challenging scenario during the spread of coronavirus, these projects have become more crucial for socio-economic benefit.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhry, CEO USF informed that Federal Minister, Syed Amin ul Haque, Secretary IT, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui and USF Board of Directors have been giving constant guidance and support to USF for making rapid progress.
He also added that all these projects are playing an integral role in enabling people of Pakistan to carry on their activities through broadband technology during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Through the project in Sanghar lot, broadband coverage will be provided in 500 mauzas in Sanghar, covering an approximate unserved area of 12,000 sq. km and benefitting a population of 1.47 million people.
Sharing his views on the development, Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan said, “We are more committed than ever before to strengthen the pillar of connectivity as part of our purpose of connecting people to what matters most to them.
“At Telenor Pakistan we are driven to empower the country through enhanced connectivity, creating opportunities and uplifting the lives of millions and stand firm in our commitment to break socio-economic barriers through the use of mobile technology.”
Senior officials of the Ministry of IT, USF and Telenor Pakistan were also present at the ceremony.
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Telenor, Ufone awarded next generation broadband SDP contracts
ISLAMABAD: Mobile phone operators Telenor and PMTL (Ufone) have been awarded contracts for Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development Projects (SDP) worth Rs729 million in total.
The 70th Board of Directors meeting of Universal Service Fund (USF) granted the approval on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Federal Secretary Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui. Chairman Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) Maj. Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa was also present in the meeting.
Telenor is being awarded the contract of Muzaffargarh Lot and Small Lot I-1 (district: Islamabad) while PTML (Ufone) is being awarded the contract of Small Lot P-4 (Bhakkar, Khushab, Jhang and Mianwali).
During the meeting, Secretary IT was apprised about the advances in USF projects. The Hi-speed Broadband services in Mazaffargarh lot will benefit an unserved population of around 2 million thereby covering 666 unserved muazas and an approximate unserved area of 14,195 sq. km.
Muzaffargarh Lot encompasses Muzaffargarh and Ranjanpur districts.
Similarly, an unserved population of 9,083 will gain advantage from Hi-speed Broadband services in Small Lot I-1 that covers Islamabad district with 12 unserved mauzas.
Likewise, the Hi-speed Broadband services in Small Lot P-4 will benefit an unserved population of 86,968 thereby covering 11 unserved muazas and an approximate unserved area of 277 sq. km. Small Lot P-4 encompasses Bhakkar, Khushab, Jhang and Mianwali districts.
The Secretary IT, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui emphasized on the growing need for connectivity amid the spread of coronavirus to support the people of Pakistan. He said that the use of ICT in rural areas during the pandemic will help the remote public to access government facilities that are available.
He also laid stress on the significant role of ICT in far-flung areas in each step of fighting the COVID-19 as some people are unable to get the information or services required. In addition, he also asserted that these projects will help the communities to start or run a modern business, access telemedicine or take an online class in these difficult times.
Furthermore, The Federal Secretary stated that the Ministry of IT and Telecom is making every effort to bridge the digital divide under the vision of Digital Pakistan as the economy heavily relies on the internet to minimize the disruption caused by the lockdown.
Moreover, the members of the Board reiterated their full support to tackle the COVID-19 battle by ensuring to make progress in implementation of current and future projects of USF.
The Board sincerely thanked the Secretary IT for providing direction and knowledge to achieve USF goals. Other board members including Shabahat Ali Shah, Executive Director, NITB; Irfan Wahab, CEO-Telenor Cluster Head for Emerging Asia and Nominee of Mobile Cellular Operators; Imran Akhtar Shah, VP for Government Sales, Super Net Pvt Ltd and Nominee of Data Licensees; Rashid Khan, CEO PTCL and Nominee of Fixed Line Operators; Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman, Consumer Association of Pakistan and Nominee of Consumer Group and management of USF Co. also attended the meeting.
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Telenor, Jazz awarded Rs680 mn next generation broadband project
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology on Wednesday approved award of contracts to Telenor and PMCL (Jazz) worth Rs680 Million in total for Kurram and Sanghar Lots.
PMCL (Jazz) is being awarded the contract of Kurram Lot while Telenor is being awarded the contract of Sanghar Lot under Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development (NG-BSD) Programme.
Federal Secretary Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui chaired 68th Board of Directors meeting of Universal Service Fund Company here on Wednesday.
Chairman PTA Maj Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa was also present in the meeting.
This project is part of the inclusive approach of the Government and to strengthen the pillar of connectivity under Digital Pakistan.
During the meeting Chairman USF Board and Secretary IT was apprised about the progress of USF projects. The Hi-speed Broadband services in Kurram Lot will benefit an unserved population of approximately 400,000 thereby covering 200 unserved muazas and an approximate unserved area of 2,900 sq. km.
Kurram Lot encompasses Frontier Region Kurram, Lower Kurram and Upper Kurram tehsils. Similarly, an unserved population of approximately 1.4 million will gain advantage from Hi-speed Broadband services in Sanghar Lot.
The Lot consists of Sanghar and Umerkot districts with an approximate unserved area of 12,000 sq. km and 500 unserved mauzas.
The Chairman USF Board and Secretary IT, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui emphasized on connecting the people of Pakistan who did not have access to latest ICT facilities.
He also said these projects will bring the people of Kurram and Sanghar at par with the wider society and helpful in solving the problems of illiteracy, poverty and unemployment.
Furthermore, the Federal Secretary welcomed Prime Minister’s most recent expression of support for the continued and ongoing work of Digital Pakistan.
He stressed the importance of the Ministry of IT and Telecom remaining closely engaged to support and encourage implementation of the vision.
In addition to this, he also acknowledged other board members’ valuable contribution to make advancements in implementation of USF projects.
The Board greatly appreciated Chairman USF Board and Secretary IT for providing guidance and wisdom to accomplish USF mission.
Other board members comprising Shabahat Ali Shah, Executive Director, NITB; Ifran Wahab, CEO-Telenor Cluster Head for Emerging Asia and Nominee of Mobile Cellular Operators; Imran Akhtar Shah, VP for Government Sales, Super Net Pvt Ltd and Nominee of Data Licensees; Rashid Khan, CEO PTCL and Nominee of Fixed Line Operators; Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman, Consumer Association of Pakistan and Nominee of Consumer Group and management of USF Co. also attended the meeting.