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Special Communication Organization in collaboration with China Telecom will deploy cross-border Fiber Optic cable to connect both the countries. This mega telecom project will cost Rs. 3.7 billion and will accrue economic benefits to Pakistan and will establish alternate international connectivity with China, Central Asian Republics (CARS) and Europe.
At present, Pakistan’s international connectivity with the world is through undersea cables, that are SEA-ME-WE 3&4, IMEWE and TWA-1, and Pakistan is connected through spurs only.
On completion, the project will also facilitate trade, tourism and IT awareness in the region and generate economic opportunities particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.
This cross-border fiber link is expected to generate revenue, approximately Rs 1.5 billion in the first three years and, in the fourth year, the financial dividends are likely to grow.
Project is result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed in April 2007, while construction and Maintenance Agreement between SCO and China Telecom (CT) was signed during the visit of Chinese Vice Premier to Pakistan in Jun 2010.
SCO persistently pursued the process for its approval and the project was finally approved by the Government of Pakistan in Dec 2010.
Launch ceremony for this project was held in HQ SCO. Director Development of HQ SCO gave a detailed briefing on technical aspects of the project and invited technical proposals from the firms for the execution of the project.
Chairman SCO Project Management Board IGC&IT, SO-in-C, DG SCO, Member Telecom MoIT, and CEOs/Representatives of all Chinese telecom firms were also present at the occasion.