820 km Optical Fibre project in Gilgit Baltistan aims to boost the ICT sector in the region

The fiber optic network project in Gilgit Baltistan (GB) under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is being completed at a quick pace and is expected to boost tourism, trade, telecom and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector as reported by Daily Pakistan.

The project was inaugurated last month. This is also the only ICT project under CPEC.The 820 km Optic Fibre Cable that runs all the way from Khunjerab to Rawalpindi. The cost of this Optic Fibre Cable is $44 million and the expenditure reported up till now is $28.30 million. The Exim Bank of China provided 85% of loan for the project at a reduced rate.

Sources at Planning and Development Division reported that the project will hopefully be completed in December this year or maybe even earlier.

Providing details, the sources said the main alignment of CPEC optical fiber is Rawalpindi, Mansehra, Naran, Babusar top, Chillas, Gilgit, Karimabad, and Khunjerab.

The project will specifically play a fundamental role in the provision of 3G and 4G services in Gilgit Baltistan apart from establishing alternate international connectivity. Pakistan and China with the rest of the world. The project aims to provide the 3G and 4G services at par with the services already provided in rest of Pakistan.

Most importantly, the project will provide benefits consisting of a major source of revenue, facilitate trade, tourism and IT awareness in the region. the project will also help youth in the region in getting employment.

Furthermore, the project will also enable advanced telecom facilities on the CPEC route along with providing direct access for Pakistan-Middle East for China and Central Asian Republics, Far East and Europe.