The government is preparing to launch National Roaming in Balochistan, with the exception of areas that do not affect the commercial interests of cellular mobile operators, in order to increase connectivity and facilitate investment in the province, particularly in Gwadar.
Brig Amer Shahzad (retired), Director General Licensing Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), revealed this while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, which met here on Monday with Kauda Babar in the chair.
According to PTA officials, Balochistan is being treated as a special case in which National Roaming will be available by June 2023.
The equipment has already been reached, and only minor work and switching over remain, which will be completed soon. National roaming would be extended to tourist areas of the country.
The Universal Services Fund’s plans to improve voice and data services in underdeveloped areas were presented to the Committee.
Many projects, according to officials, are underway to provide the best service to customers in Balochistan. Ufone telecom company has launched 4G internet service on 95 percent of Gwadar district towers.
According to the chairman of the committee, mobile internet service is not available in most districts of Balochistan, causing difficulties for Balochistan students.
He went on to say that, despite the fact that service is available in many areas, it has been suspended due to security concerns.
Officials stated that in order to improve the service even further, national roaming is being implemented in certain areas and will be available to users by June of next year.
Senator Afnanullah Khan stated that the Gwadar district should be given special attention due to significant foreign investment.
Senator Kauda Babar, Chairman of the Committee, directed that special attention be paid to the provision of internet service in tourist areas.
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