Islamabad: (January 05, 2009) Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has completed establishment of around 350 telecenters across the country for the provision of basic telecom services in rural areas.

These telecenters, called â??Rabta Gharsâ??, are equipped with modern communication facilities such as computer, fax, printer, scanner, telephone and internet. They were sponsored by PTA, PTCL, Mobilink, Instaphone, Ufone, World Call and Intel.

According to details 104 telecenters were installed in Sindh, 82 in Punjab, 86 in NWFP, 62 in Balochistan and 15 in AJK and Northern Areas.

PTA started this project in 2007 with an aim to bring rural areas at par with developed areas in terms of telecom facilities and to provide self-employment opportunities.

Earlier Applications were sought from eligible youth from all over the country for free provision of telecom equipments to establish telecenters.

PTA also arranged free delivery, installation and training of Rabta Ghar equipment on the location of the selected individuals through Intel Corporation. These 350 Rabta Ghars are now fully operational and providing fastest communication facilities to the communities of rural areas.

(Khurram Ali Mehran)

Deputy Director (PR)