Islamabad, July 25, 2008: Universal Service Fund and PTCL have entered in yet another contract to provide basic telephony and data services to the population in the yet un-served areas of Dadu "lot", consisting of identified areas in Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad and Thatta districts.

In this connection, a signing ceremony between PTCL and Universal Service Fund was held in Islamabad. The contract signed between PTCL and USF marks the launching of new telecom services to be provided by PTCL in the above-mentioned areas. Chief Executive Officer - PTCL, Walid Irshaid and Chief Executive Officer - Universal Service Fund, Parvez Iftikhar signed the contract. Federal Minister for Information Technology,         Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira was the Chief Guest. Mr. Hifz-ur-Rahman, Federal Secretary IT and Mr. Noor-ud-Din Baqai, Member-Telecom were also present at the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Information Technology, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the Government of Pakistan is striving to increase the level of telecom penetration significantly in the rural areas. He reiterated the present government&´s determination to promote and support the initiatives to enhance Pakistan´s capacity to develop and produce a globally competitive telecom sector and industry.  He added that with such consistent efforts and spirit, Universal Service Fund will undertake more challenging and productive programmes for the promotion of telecom related services. He further assured that Ministry will keep intensifying its efforts to promote ICT for the sustainable technological development and prosperity of the country in the future as well. .

Chief Executive Officer of USF, Parvez Iftikhar, shed light on the un-served areas of Dadu. In his speech, he enlightened the participants about the status of auction process of telecom services in various un-served areas of the country. He informed that an un-served population of around 650,000 people will benefit from this project. He further told the audience that starting from October 2007, so far USF has signed 06 contracts in the un-served areas of Pakistan where the licensed telecom Operators were hesitant to venture because of high expenditures and low expected revenues. He acknowledged the tremendous cooperation, help and support of the Ministry of IT and PTA.

It is noteworthy to mention here that in the last couple of months, PTCL and USF have also signed contracts of the projects for Pishin and Mansehra areas.

Walid Irshaid, Chief Executive Officer - PTCL said, "The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) as a socially responsible company has been in the forefront to spread the benefits of telecommunications to every corner of Pakistan.

Making a determined effort to be in Dadu, is indeed a clear manifestation of PTCL´s resolve to bridge the digital divide. With the support of Universal Service Fund (USF), PTCL will extend the benefits of its ubiquitous network coverage to the under-served communities in the un-served areas. Mr. Irshaid said, "We are proud to be able to make a difference in the lives of the dwellers of Dadu and other under and un-served communities within the country"

Universal Service Fund (USF) signed a contract of its Special Project with Al-Shifa Trust to &39;Enable Persons with disabilities to use telecom services&39; which aims to increase accessibility of IT and telecom for people with low vision. Col. Abdul Hameed Khan Hameedi, GM-Procurement, Al-Shifa Trust and Parvez Iftikhar, CEO-USF signed the contract on behalf of their respective organizations.

Earlier, the announcement to launch this project was made on May 17, 2008 at an event organized by Ministry of Information Technology to mark the World Telecommunications Day which was presided by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The main objective of this project which is worth Rs. 25 Million is strengthening of the Low Vision Center at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Rawalpindi, up-gradation and replication of the low vision center at Sukkur and establishment of a similar low vision center at Kohat. This project will also create job opportunities for people with low vision problems by providing them telecom and IT related trainings and create an environment for them to get educated using appropriate technologies. Moreover, this initiative will enhance the social development, through ICTs, for the persons with disabilities and integrate them fully as productive elements in the society. This programme will also help people with low vision overcome their disability and assist them to compete on even basis with their non-disabled peers by using Telecom and E-services.

Universal Service Fund aims to promote development of telecommunication services throughout the length and breadth of the country, to make available affordable voice telephony and basic data services to progressively greater proportions of the country&39;s population at or near their home locations. Up till now USF has launched several projects to provide telecom services in remote areas of Pakistan thus creating opportunities also for individuals with disabilities to get equal access to ICT facilities.

Islamabad, May 29, 2008: Universal Service Fund and PTCL have entered in a contract to provide basic telephony and data services to the population in the yet un-served areas of Baluchistan districts of Pishin, Killa Abdullah and Quetta.

In this connection, a signing ceremony between Universal Service Fund and PTCL was held in Islamabad. The contract signed between USF and PTCL marks the launching of new services to be provided by PTCL in the above-mentioned areas of Baluchistan. Chief Executive Officer, -PTCL, Walid Irshaid and Chief Executive Officer - Universal Service Fund, Parvez Iftikhar signed the contract. Federal Minister for Information Technology, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira was the Chief Guest. Mr. Noor-ud-Din Baqai, Member-Telecom and several other key officials related to telecom sector were also present at the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Information Technology, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the Government of Pakistan is striving to increase the level of telecom penetration significantly in the rural areas. He reiterated the present government´s resolve and commitment to promote and support the initiatives to enhance Pakistan´s capacity to develop and produce a globally competitive telecom sector and industry.  He added that with such consistent efforts and spirit, Ministry of IT will undertake more challenging and productive programmes for the promotion of telecom related services. He further assured that Ministry will keep intensifying its efforts to promote ICTs for the sustainable technological development and prosperity of the country in the future as well. .

Chief Executive Officer of USF, Parvez Iftikhar, shed light on the un-served areas of Baluchistan. In his presentation, he enlightened the participants about the status of auction process of telecom services in various un-served areas of the country. He informed that with 04 contracts USF is catering for15% of the estimated un-served area and a quarter of the estimated un-served population. He expressed hope that the initiative of Universal Service Fund will definitely shift the focus of the telecom operators from urban to rural population. He also informed the audience that a subsidy of Rs. 175 Million is being provided by USF for this project against PTCL´s own contribution of Rs 149 Million. He acknowledged the tremendous cooperation, help and support of the Ministry of IT and Pakistan Telecom Authority at the end.

Walid Irshaid, Chief Executive Officer - PTCL said, "The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) as a socially responsible company has been in the forefront to spread the benefits of telecommunications to every corner of Pakistan.

Making a determined effort to be in Pishin, a far flung area of Baluchistan is indeed a clear manifestation of PTCL´s resolve to bridge the digital divide. With the support of Universal Service Fund Company (USFC), PTCL will extend the benefits of its ubiquitous network coverage to the under-served communities in the un-served areas. Mr. Irshaid said, "We are proud to be able to make a difference in the lives of the dwellers of Balochistan province and other under and un-served communities within the country"

Islamabad, May 17, 2008: Universal Service Fund has launched a special project for "Enabling Persons with disabilities to use telecom services" which aims to increase accessibility of IT and telecom for people with different disabilities.

This announcement was made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, at an event organized by Ministry of Information Technology to mark the World Telecommunications Day. The theme for this years world telecom day was "Connecting Persons with Disabilities: ICT Opportunities for all". In this connection, two programmes were launched under the Special Projects of USF.

Chief Executive Officer of USF, Parvez Iftikhar, shed light on the desired objectives of the said projects. He informed the audience that Board of Directors of USF in its 10^th Meeting approved the projects submitted by Pakistan Foundation for Fighting Blindness (PFFB) and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Low-Vision Center. The main objectives of these projects are to expand and upgrade the Audio World and IT helpline programmes being run by PFFB and up-gradation and establishment of computerized Low Vision Rehabilitation Centres by Al-Shifa Trust. These projects will also create job opportunities for such people by providing them telecom and IT related trainings and create an environment for them to get educated using appropriate technologies. Moreover, this initiative will enhance the social development, through ICTs, for the persons with disabilities and integrate them fully as productive elements in the society. He further said that he hoped this programme will help people with disabilities overcome their disability and assist them to compete on even basis with their non-disabled peers by using Telecom and E-services.

NOTICE FOR INVITING  BIDS FOR PROVISION OF TELECOM SERVICES (Pishin, Mansehra, Dadu and Bahawalpur)

Islamabad, February 7, 2008: Universal Service Fund and Warid  Telecom have entered in a contract to provide basic telephony and data services  to the mass population in un-served areas of Dera Ghazi Khan  division.

In this connection, a signing  ceremony between Universal Service Fund and Warid Telecom was held in Islamabad. The contract signed between USF and  Warid Telecom marks the launching of new services to be provided by Warid  Telecom in Dera Ghazi Khan division. Chief Executive Officer-Universal Service  Fund, Parvez Iftikhar and Chief Executive Officer-Warid Telecom, Marwan  Zawaydeh signed the contract. Federal Minister for Information Technology, Dr. Abdullah Riar was the Chief  Guest. Mr. Hifz-ur-Rahman, Secretary IT and several other key individuals  related to telecom sector were also present at the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion Federal  Minister for Information Technology, Dr. Abdullah Riar said, "Government of  Pakistan is striving to increase the level of telecom penetration significantly  in the rural areas. Overall, the Telecom sector of Pakistan has achieved unprecedented success  over the last few years, benefits of which are being reaped by the citizens of Pakistan. The announcement of numerous  business centric policies along with the entry of new participants in the  telecom sector have attributed to this great success. After launching services  in Malakand and Sukkur, USF is now signing a contract with Warid Telecom to provide  services to the unserved villages of DG Khan." He further said that this is  indeed another major milestone achieved through consistent efforts of Ministry  of Information Technology with the help of all stakeholders.

Chief Executive Officer of USF,  Parvez Iftikhar, shed light on the un-served areas of DG Khan which include  districts of DG Khan, Rajanpur, Layyaah and Muzaffargarh. In his presentation,  he enlightened the participants about the auction  of various un-served and under-served areas of the country. He expressed hope  that the initiative of Universal Service Fund will definitely shift the focus  of the telecom operators from urban to rural population.

Marwan Zawaydeh, Chief Executive  Officer - Warid Telecom said, "At Warid Telecom, network expansion is extremely  important to us with the premium voice quality and connectivity. Our goal is to  cover every corner of Pakistan in the minimum possible time and our  teams are working day and night to achieve this goal.  Providing coverage in un-served areas like Dera  Ghazi Khan is a top priority to us. In future, we will also be looking into  other remote areas with USF for affordable voice telephony."

Federal Minister  for Information Technology, Dr. Abdullah Riar on Tuesday said that the telecom  revolution will now be broadened to the far-flung rural areas of Pakistan. 

He informed the audience that the Telecom sector of Pakistan  has achieved unprecedented success over the last few years, benefits of which are  being reaped by the citizens of Pakistan.  The announcement of numerous business centric policies, which take into account  the market demands and challenges, are open and consistent and created a  conducive environment for healthy business activities in the sector. He also  added that it is a matter of great pride that Universal Service Fund (USF)  recently signed the contract of its pilot project to provide services in  Malakand Divion and in the short period of only three months, it has now signed  the contract to provide services to the un-served villages of Sukkur division.  He further said that this is indeed another major milestone achieved through  consistent efforts of Ministry of Information Technology with the help of all  stakeholders.

The Minister  expressed these remarks while addressing the Contract Signing Ceremony of  Universal Service Fund Project for the un-served areas of Sukkur Division. The  Ceremony was organized to sign the Contract of the Project with Mobilink with  the aim to provide telecom related services in unserved areas of Sukkur  Division. CEO-USF, Parvez Iftikhar and CEO-Mobilink, Zohair Khaliq signed the  contract on behalf of their respective organizations.

Earlier on,  Chief Executive Officer of USF, Parvez Iftikhar, highlighted the objectives and  role of USF in his welcome speech. He informed the audience about the  methodology employed to identify and auction the unserved and under-served  areas of the country. He expressed hopes that the initiative of Universal  Service Fund will definitely shift the focus of the telecom operators from  urban to rural population.

Zouhair A.  Khaliq, President & CEO Mobilink while talking to the media after the  ceremony opined, "As part of our mission to reach out to the farthest corners  of the country and to connect the people of Pakistan we are keen to set up our  services to serve the people of Sukkur Division. With our superior network and  value added services we will enable every citizen of all the areas in  consideration to communicate effectively."

Mr.  Hifz-ur-Rahman, Secretary IT and Chairman-PTA, Maj. Gen (R) Shahzada Alam  Malik, as well as several key individuals related to telecom industry were also  present at the occasion.

Board  of Directors of Universal Service Fund, in the 7th Board Meeting, held  on January 03, 2008 and chaired by Federal Minister for IT, Dr. Abdullah Riar, gave  the approval to launch project for promotion of Broadband in the country.  During the meeting, a detailed presentation was given by the CEO-USF, Mr.  Parvez Iftikhar on the proposal as to how USF intends to subsidise the existing  Broadband Service Providers in the country through an open and transparent  competitive process in order to increase the Broadband penetration in Pakistan.  His presentation highlighted the background, overall process, basic parameters  and legal aspects. It is noteworthy to mention here that the USF Policy target  to be achieved through this project is 1% penetration at the end of the year  2010. In this context, an  Open-Forum will be held very soon for further exchange of views and ideas among  the stakeholders.
 
Earlier,  in November 2007, USF invited comments regarding the Concept Paper on Broadband  initiative which received an over-whelming response.

Following operators submitted their bids to provide Telecom Services in Sukkur Lot on December 10, 2007:

Reference  to NOTICE FOR INVITING BIDS FOR PROVISION OF TELECOM SERVICES dated  October 25, 2007, USFCo has extended the dead line for submission of  proposals for the DG Khan Lot and Chaghi Lot. 

The revised dates are given below:

An over-whelming response in regards to the concept paper comprising proposed details of the Broadband Initiative has been received. Meetings at the following organizations were also held recently for further exchnge of views:

1. Cyber Net

2. Wateen Telecom

3. Brain Net

4. World Call

An Open Forum on Broadband Initiative will also be held very soon for enabling USF to finalise how to move forward in promotion of Broadband in the country.