SCO, Supernet bridging gap for Northern Areas

Rawalpindi – Special communication organization (SCO) is the biggest telecom service provider in AJ&K and Northern Area. It is providing state-of-the-art digital telecom facilities based on fixed line as well as cellular in its area of responsibilities. Northern Areas of Pakistan have remained devoid of modern telecom facilities for a long time but over the past few years, SCO through the untiring efforts of its work force adopting new technologies has left no stone unturned to provide the latest telecom facilities such as Optical Fiber and satellite based as well as microwave backbone connectivity with rest of the Pakistan, reaching out to the far flung populace through WLL and Satellite communication and installation of a GSM network (SCOM) for these areas.

Supernet Limited, the largest Data Network Operator and ISP in Pakistan, a subsidiary of TeleCard limited which is Pakistan’s leading integrated telecom service provider has been awarded a contract for the design, implementation and operation of the huge VSAT network for the Northern Areas of Pakistan by SCO on 27th April 2006.

Supernet Limited will install three kind of VSAT network in Northern Areas to provide basic telephony services for Northern Areas, backhaul for provision of GSM services and another backhaul with the SCO international gateway exchange. All three networks will use transponder capacity on the PAKSAT–1 Satellite.

Major General Shahid Maqbool, Director General SCO expressed that the implementation of this project will bring a revolutionary change in the Northern Areas in next 3-6 months time. It will not only help in the economic uplift of the northern areas but will also facilitate the entry of new telecom operators in these under the day revelation scenario.

Sultan-Ul-Arfeen, Chairman Board of Directors for Supernet Limited praised the developments made by SCO in the northern areas and said “This is a significant win for Supernet Limited and is the result of solid team effort. The Supernet Limited team has the experience of delivering similar networks and is looking forward to long term relation ships with SCO. I believe this network will play all important roles in bringing the people of the northern areas in to the national main stream. Supernet Limited is proud to be a partner with SCO and be associated with this venture.”

Source: Pakistan Observer (May 18, 2006)