GILGIT, Oct 13: The Special Communications Organisation (SCO) is committed to providing latest, modern and sophisticated means of telecommunication to the people in remote mountain regions.

This was stated by Special Communications Organisation Director General Maj-Gen Khalid Rao while speaking at a press conference during his visit to Gilgit. Gen Rao said installation of a Terrestrial Microwave Link in the area would be completed by the year end at a cost of Rs490 million.

He said establishing an optical fibre network was proving problematic as the sensitive cable was severed a number of times during work on Jhalkhat-Naran Road by the National Highway Authority and the Frontier Works Organisation.

The Special Communications Organisation chief said a server was being installed in Gilgit to extend internet facility among the locals.

FUNDS RELEASED: The Northern Areas’ finance department has released Rs640 million for completing ongoing projects in the region.

An official in the finance department said the amount was reserved for the first quarter of the region’s financial year, adding that the sum allocated for the next quarter would also be released soon.