Muzaffarabad: Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Dr. Mohammed Yaseen visited Special Communication Organization (SCO) Sector Headquarter, Muzaffarabad, today for “Cellular Village Connection Trial” in Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir. On this occasion, the SCO sector Commander Col Shafqat gave briefing to Chairman PTA on starting of cellular services by SCO in the Neelum Valley.
After the visit of Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani of the Neelum Valley, PTA initiated the CVCT plan, which is the first one of its kind in the entire region. PTA responded very effectively and swiftly to the directions of PM of Pakistan and popular demand of masses of the area and initiated this plan of trials by offering cellular operators of AJK to participate in cellular village connection trial (CVCT).
PTA will act as a facilitator between SCO and Huawei to carry out a GSM cellular village connection trial in Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir initially on trial basis for sixth months. After this trial service, it will only be continued in the areas which will be identified as secure for such services based on the lessons learnt from the trial. This plan of the PTA is a unique model which will educate the industry of secure border communications.
During his visit Chairman PTA said that elaborate efforts are being made to provide enhanced telecom services including mobile and fixed communications to the people of Neelum Valley. Chairman said that with the help of operators PTA is making efforts to provide better telecom services to the far flung areas of the country. He showed satisfaction on the launch of mobile services in Neelum Valley on trial basis and hoped that by the beginning of the next year complete GSM mobile services would be available to the people of the valley.
Dr.Mohammed Yaseen said that the cellular village connection is a new concept which is especially designed to expand cellular services in those areas where it is not possible to provide these services due to tough terrain, closed proximity with the borders areas, feasibility concerns, low population, cost of deployment and year round maintenance etc.
The Sector Commander SCO also said that the successful launching of this trial plan depicts the deep concern and firm commitment of PTA towards the expansion of cellular services throughout the Pakistan particularly the remote rural areas and far flung border areas.
The visit of Chairman PTA to Muzaffarabad and then Neelum Valley unfold his personal keen interest and untiring endeavors for making this trial plan a success story, he further added.
