- In order to execute the Rs192m project, Jazz will install 28 towers in about a year
ISLAMABAD: Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded a contract worth Rs192 million to Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital communications company. This contract has been awarded by USF under its Broadband for Sustainable Development Programme.
As part of the deal, Jazz will work towards providing mobile broadband access to people of North Waziristan, Bannu and Lakki Marwat.
USF Chief Executive Officer Rizwan Mustafa Mir signed the contract with Jazz Chief Corporate and Enterprise Officer Ali Naseer.
The chief guest of the ceremony, Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, while addressing the audience, stated that with constant dedication and devotion, the Ministry of IT and Telecom had achieved yet another significant connectivity milestone.
He said with such projects, the ministry through USF would continue to work towards achieving the mission of broadband penetration across the country so as to facilitate the people in rural areas.
The minister said that in addition to broadband infrastructure, he expected USF to launch new e-services and m-services to facilitate the adoption digital lifestyle in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, USF CEO Rizwan Mir said with the signing of North Waziristan contract, USF aims to provide voice and data services to remote and underserved areas of Pakistan.
He said that this network would be completed in 24 months and would provide 3G/4G and voice services to a population of 0.57 million residing in 401 unserved Mauzas. He stated that with the improvement of law and order situation in FATA areas, provision of advanced ICT infrastructure would be a key to the development efforts in the region.
“We enjoy great support from the Ministry of IT and Telecom in our common mission to continuously work towards the expansion of broadband services in Pakistan,” he said, adding that USF was planning to launch several new broadband projects in the next few months, including one in South Waziristan.
The USF-Jazz partnership would open-up new progressive opportunities, such as e-commerce, for local communities. Digital and e-services are a rapidly evolving field and can provide better health, education, agriculture and business opportunities to the people in these areas. In order to execute this project, 28 towers would be installed by Jazz in about a year.
