The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has expressed serious reservations over the deterioration in the quality of cellular mobile services while observing that despite the fact that infrastructure exists, consumers are facing connectivity issues across the country.
The committee meeting, presided over by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, convened on Wednesday was also briefed by the Universal Service Fund (USF) on the province-wise project details.
The meeting began with a detailed briefing by the Universal Service Fund (USF) on the province-wise project details. Officials reported that in Balochistan, there are currently seven projects in progress, 27 projects completed, and a total of 34 access projects for the province.
Similarly, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there are 18 access projects, with 10 completed and eight in progress. In Punjab, there are 29 total access projects, with 25 completed and four in progress. In Islamabad, both access projects have been completed.
In Sindh, there are 19 total access projects, with 16 completed and three in progress. The lack of attention to the Tharparkar area was highlighted, and it was reported that Tharparkar is being prioritized. USF informed that while reporting on Sindh that there is no immediate drastic shortage of funds, there is still a need for funding.
When inquired about 3G services in various areas of Balochistan, it was reported that most of the 3G projects have been completed. However, Balochistan faces security issues that often hinder project completion. The committee members were further briefed on access projects for national highways, motorways, and tourist destinations. It was noted that many sites are off-grid and rely on solar power.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja briefed the committee on the current budget of the ministry and its spending plan. In addition, the Secretary IT provided information on IT professional certifications, project KPIs, project impact, and the targets achieved. The Secretary said that the government is ensuring that sufficient infrastructure is available for freelancers and emphasized the need to encourage the private sector.
The meeting was also attended by Senators Dr Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Gurdeep Singh, Anusha Rahman, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Manzoor Ahmed, and senior officials from relevant departments.
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