Ministry asked to ensure low-cost broadband connectivity

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday asked the ministry of information technology to ensure reliable and cheap broadband connectivity across the country, particularly in the remote areas.

The Prime Minister was addressing a ceremony for the contract signing of broadband for sustainable development projects in federally-administered tribal areas.

Abbasi said the broadband connectivity will help bridge the gap between the urban and rural areas by providing modern facilities to the people at their door steps.

The Universal Service Fund, working under the ministry of information technology, is implementing the project for provision of telecom services to the un-served areas. After the launch of the 3G and 4G services, internet service has been provided to 5,896 mauzas. The new contracts will extend the services to Khyber, Mohmand and DI Khan agencies at a cost of Rs3.5 billion and facilitate more than four million people in 1,187 mauzas.

Prime Minister tasked the ministry of information technology to complete the project within the next four months and provide connectivity at affordable rates.