ISLAMABAD: Through the Broadband for Sustainable Development Programme, Ministry of IT and Telecom has been aggressively working to provide telecom services to the un-served areas across the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
A recent agreement has been signed to provide broadband internet facility in far-flung areas to accelerate socio-economic development of 5,896 villages of FATA.
The spokesman of the ministry told APP on Monday that this programme was redesigned to include the broadband equivalent data (internet) services as a compulsory component and for new projects, and powering of telecommunication sites through solar energy was also made a part of each project.
The Ministry of Information and Telecommunication would utilise funds being generated under universal service fund (USF) for providing IT and telecom services to un-served and far-flung areas on a priority, he added.
He further said that through the project, 3G mobile broadband services would be provided in the areas of Mohmand, Bajaur and Malakand, having a population of 1,599,500 residing in 684 mauzas.
While giving details, he said that 3G mobile broadband services were being provided in the areas of Khyber Agency, FR Kohat (Tribal Area Adjacent Kohat), FR Peshawar, Kohat, Karak and Hangu, and the areas consist of a population of 1,751,600 residing in 503 mauzas.
Minister for Information and Telecommunication Anusha Rehman said that she was pleased that with consistent efforts and spirit, USF was undertaking challenging and productive programmes for promoting telecom related services.
The minister further said that she was proud of the fact that now people living in FATA would also be able to have access to 3G services like other parts of the country.
