Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, along with broadband operator Wateen Telecom, has signed deals with the country’s Universal Service Fund to roll out broadband services in several unserved areas of the country.

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, along with broadband operator Wateen Telecom, has signed deals with the country’s Universal Service Fund to roll out broadband services in several unserved areas of the country. According to the $17.5 million worth of contracts between the two operators, approximately 86,500 people will receive access to broadband services within the next 18 months. Pakistan Telecommunications is expected to install 72,500 connections while Wateen will install 16,500. In addition, around 250 educational broadband centres and more than 100 community broadband centres will also be set up as part of the project. The areas that will be covered under the agreement include the districts of Bhakkar, Faisalabad (excluding the city), Jhang, Khushab, Mianwali, Sargodha and Toba Tek Singh.