Says organization operating under section 40 of PTRA-1996,
RAWALPINDI: (Parliament Times) 1. Propaganda by few elements is being carried out against the quality of services provided by SCO on the bases of false facts, on which SCO needs to explain its position.
SCO is providing state of the art telecomm services to its subscribers in the far flung areas
of AJ&K and GB. For the last 42 years, SCO is providing all brands of services (DSL
internet, 3G/4G, WLL, DXX) to the populace of AJ&K and GB within the ambit of limited
resources,
2. The facts are that:-
a. Misleading Impression of SCO Monopoly in GB This impression requires
emphasis that SCO is not the only operator in GB, in fact private telcos are
also providing Mobile services in the main cities with more focused
(justifiably) on earning revenue. SCO on the other hand being the Govt entity
is endeavoring to provide latest telecomm services on non profit basis in the
entire region. As of now SCO is the largest mobile operator providing services
in more than 100 x rural areas and 27x major cities of GB. For this reason
SCO is considered the most popular amongst masses. Today SCO’s
subscriber base stands at a figure of 732,651 in GB. 72 precious lives of SCO
men have been sacrificed for providing and maintaining the communications
in these rugged and challenging environments. Despite the exclusivity of
SCO PTA allowed other operators after the earthquake 2005 to provide
telecom services in AJ&K as well as GB which is in contradiction with Act
(PTRA – 1996) and for the last 13 years these private telcos are operating in
GB.
b. Provision of DSL (Internet) Services SCO is providing DSL internet
services at an affordable rate to its subscribers which are increasing day by
day. This service is available with the people of Astore, Diamer, Guzar,
Kharmang, Shigar and Ghanche as well as other 36 x locations in short span
of time effectively. In year 2017 an increase of 55% subscribers were
reported, SCO is further expanding its network and will be providing services
at door steps to its subscriber in near future. It is pertinent to mention that due
to the severity of weather and tough terrain no other operator is willing to
extend their network to most of these areas. Therefore maligning SCO for
their failure to provide internet services is not justified.
c. Provision of 3G/4G Services SCO being a state owned organization is
covered under section 40 of PTRA-1996, therefore, it is incorrect that SCO
has acted unlawfully and even otherwise as the matter is sub judice before
the Honourable Islamabad High Court in which stay order has already been
granted it would not be appropriate for any party or entity to comment
thereon.
d. Revenue Loss Due to Un Auctioned Spectrum No loss is being
incurred to the revenue since SCO is a Government entity. Amount of license
fee has to be provided by the Government (even in case it has to be paid)
and the same is deposited back into Government treasury. Rather the income
generated by 4G launch has increased the Government revenue apart from
providing the much sought after 4G services in the remote areas.
3. SCO has also offered its infrastructure and bandwidth to other operators for
provision of communication to the people of GB.
