STAFF REPORT ISB: The National Assembly Standing Committee on ITandT has recommended the PTA to direct the mobile companies to expand their network of services to under-developed and rural areas of Pakistan.

The committee made these directions while discussing suggestions to improve the performance of mobile cellular companies after induction of 3G and 4G technologies.

The committee appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Information Technology for making efforts to dredge out “Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill” and preparing its draft in short span of time.

It felt that some of the clauses of bill need to be further defined and decided to discuss the bill in its next meeting.

The committee appreciated the efforts of USF for establishing 500 Telecentres across the country and stressed upon the need to continue its working in future under its supervision.

It recommended that USF may ensure maximum possible utilisation of its funds for the expansion of fiber cable network to the remote areas.

The committee also discussed the SIM verification issue and termed it as extremely eminent in the present scenario of the country.

It recommended that the process of SIM verification may be completed in minimum possible time.

Earlier, the meeting was briefed by Chairman PTA about the performance of mobile cellular companies, their areas of coverage, expected expansion projects and the obligations/ conditions imposed in their licences.

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