Achievements

SCO during the past one year remained committed in expanding and providing telecomm facilities to the people of far-flung and mountainous regions of AJ&K /GB. SCO has the unique honour of providing all brands of telecomm services from voice to data. By the grace of Allah, SCO's workforce accomplished our objectives successfully during the past year despite many challenges, limited resources and tough competition.
Some of the milestone achievements are:
-- An overall increase in customer base around 23% from last year particularly in GSM, Broadband Interest (DSL) and DXX services.
-- Expansion/up-gradation of PSTN at Rawalakot, Khurshidabad, Khalan, Juran, Nagdar and Anderla Kotera.
-- Expansion of Broadband Internet (DSL) at Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Mirpur, Kotli, Plandri, Athmuqam, Garhi Doparra, Gilgit and Skardu.
-- Internet access to 100% PSTN, GSM and WLL customers.
-- Providing nation-wide roaming to all GSM customers both in AJ&K and Gilgit Baltistan.
Introduction of number of VAS and customer support initiatives ie GPRS, EDGE, Utility Bill Payment (UBP) through scratch card, UBL OMNI, GSM Post-paid, NO LINE RENT package, Computerised Directory Assistance Services, Automated Complaint Handling and features like breaking news, sports alerts, weather updates.
Restoration of damaged telecom infrastructure in shortest span of time during floods and provision of vice/data services during Attabad Disaster. Declared Significant Market Player (SMP) in AJ&K and Gilgit Baltistan by PTA in all telecomm services offered in the region.
Successful upgradation of Terrestrial Microwave link (Rawalpindi to Gilgit) from STM 1+1 to STM 2+1. Approval of GoP for International OFC connectivity between Pakistan and China on 9 December 2010. Being the biggest project in SCO's history, it is likely to generate huge amount of revenue for Pakistan.
Future Developmental Projects SCO aims to extending the telecom facilities in AJ&K /GB upto the farthest/remotest areas. Following projects have already been proposed to GoP and SCO, will relentlessly follow the approval of project:
A construction and Maintenance Agreement (C&MA) between SCO and China Telecom (CT) was singed during the visit of Chinese Vice Premier to Pakistan on 9th June 2010. The project has now been approved by ECNCE on 9 December 2010. The Proposed system entails laying of approx 820 Km OFC from Rawalpindi to Khunjrab Pass and would provide an alternate to SE-ME-WE-3/4 & TWA-1.
Installation of Small Digital Exchanges in Remote Areas of Gilgit Baltistan. Provisioning of telecom wireless services cannot be planned in areas close to LOC due to obvious technical/security issues. However, to meet the demand of the people where no telecom infrastructure exists, installation of PSTN digital services have been planned for such areas to remove the digital divide with rest of the country. Project entails installation of 12 small digital exchanges with a capacity of 312 lines at each site.
Extension of cellular Mobile Service in Neelum Valley AJ&K. The area is devoid of cellular services because of the close proximity of LOC. Prime Minister during his visit to Muzaffarabad in October 2009, announced Cellular Village Connection Trial (CVCT). SCO has the honour to the picked up for subject trial in the Neelum Valley. All the preparations have been made and system will be put on trial during August 2010. Based on the results/outcome of trial, the service will then be launched for general public of the area.
Laying of Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) to connect remote locations of AJ&K. The project will cater for laying of reliable, high capacity backhaul media along with optical transmission connectivity in unserved areas of AJ&K. Once laid, the said OFC network will facilitate provisioning of modern digital services in the region. Approximately 80 Km underground Optical Fiber from Rera, Lasdana, Forward Kahuta, Mehmood Gail, Bandi Abbas Pur will be laid in this project.
Vision Stipulation of reliable, effective, innovative and up-to-date voice and data communication services to people living in the most rugged and rigorous terrains of AJ&K & Gilgit Baltistan mainly emphasising upon professionalism and outstanding customer services.
Future Goals/ Objectives
-- Ensuring availability of basic telecom services like digital PSTN, GSM, CDMA and broadband DSL in the entire length and breadth of AJ&K and GB.
-- Provide modern telecom services like Quad play (wireless TPS) based on the most optimum, cost effective and user friendly technologies.
-- Transmission network advancement by implementing latest IP based next generation technologies.
-- Offer high end access technologies like Wimax and FTTH for broadband connectivity.
-- Migration of existing wirless 2G networks to 3G/4G platforms to facilitate futuristic services like mobile video conferencing.
Restoration of Telecom Services in Flood Affected Areas
Pakistan has been hit by worst natural disaster during last year floods. The same was the case in AJ&K and Gilgit Baltistan. SCO suffered a colossal loss of telecom resources particularly in Baltistan Region and Neelum valley.
Attabad Disaster
During Attabad Disaster SCO provided Optical Fiber connectivity, Broadband Internet Service, Landline Telephone facility to FWO at Attabad site. Remote electronic monitoring of Attabad site was also made available to FWO which helped significantly in entire rescue / relief rehabilitation operations.
Through sheer dedication, commitment and efforts by SCO Workforce, restoration of entire damaged infrastructure was done in a short span of time.
Relief Goods for Flood Affectees
SCO whole heartedly supported the flood affected displaced persons at Nowshera, Jhangira, Kherabad and Toota Kan (Malakand Agency) in form of dry ration, cooking utensils, gas cylinders, clothing and provision of quilt / pillows. 6 Trucks of load worth Rs 6.5 million was distributed for this noble cause.