20000328

Better telecom

facilities for

Baltistan dists

prepared

SKARDU: Modern and better telecommunication facilities are being provided to the people of both districts of Baltistan, Skardu and Ghanche. For this purpose, a comprehensive plan has been prepared.

This was stated by Special Communication Organisation (SCO) Commanding Officer Col. Najeeb Zafar while addressing a press conference in Skardu.

He said that a number of channels have been enhanced from 30 to 60 to provide long distance calls facilities. The whole northern area would be connected with direct dialing facilities.

He said the present exchange in the Skardu town would be expended to provide more connections to the consumers. The EMD Exchange would be removed totally. Col. Najeeb Zafar said that NWD system would be introduced in Khaplu and brought on satellite.

Channels between Skardu-Gilgit and Skardu-Khaplu would also be enhanced. He said that most expensive and most modern WLL system would be introduced in these areas. Fibre optic cable would also be introduced between Gilgit and Skardu.

Col. Najeeb Zafar said that the present telephone exchanges would be expanded while more PCOs would be opened in different towns and villages of these areas. He said seasonal international PCOs would also be opened during summer season.

He said there is a proposal to introduce internet and e-mail system here. Replying a question he said that billing section would also be established in Skardu to facilitate the consumers.

Col. Najeeb said there is fax facility at government PCO Skardu adding that a complaint cell has also been opened at SC office to receive complaints. He said all the schemes would be started during this year and people of Baltistan and NAs will see visible changes in the telecommunication sector and this is top priority of communication in these far-flung areas of the country.ÑPPI