ISLAMABAD - Board of universal Service Fund has decided to provide 30,000 Smartphones with Rs250 balance per month to the beneficiaries to the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).
According to officials the proposal was discussed and agreed in the USF Company 46th Board of Directors meeting.
The participants deliberated on latest reports, which placed Pakistan 69 percent on financial and digital inclusion and at 14th position among the 26 emerging or third world countries.
Officials said it was decided to roll out USF projects in the un-served and under-served areas of the country in next three years, while 30,000 smartphones would be given to BISP beneficiaries in Balochistan and FATA.
Further, they would also be given Rs250 balance every month besides different apps to increase mobile adaptability including a know how of e-commerce etc. The BISP beneficiaries would get information about the amount they are receiving from the government and would mitigate the fraud chances.
The pilot project would cover Sibi, Harnai, Barkhan, Loralai – Zhob, Musakhel, Sherani – Kalat, Kharan/Washuk, Kohlu/ Dera Bugti, Kohistan and entire FATA with all seven agencies.
Under the USF program broadband programme was initiated to provide broadband internet services in the urban areas of 2nd and 3rd tier cities.
The USF has provided internet connectivity to 449,896 subscribers in 406 towns and established 1328 educational broadband centres and 369 community broadband centers.
Published in The Nation newspaper on 20-Aug-2016
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