ISLAMABAD: An agreement has been singed between the Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation Limited (PTCL) and Zong under which the former will lay 789 km long fibre for the latter; thus enhancing quality telecommunication services of Zong.
PTCL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Daniel Ritz and Zong CEO Liu Dianfeng signed the deal at a ceremony held at the PTCL Headquarters. The agreement will serve as a major milestone towards achieving the PTCL’s vision of being the carrier of carriers and its pivotal role in promoting information and communication technology (ICT) services in Pakistan. This fibre leasing agreement will also enable Zong to utilise PTCL’s extensive nationwide fibre optic footprint and its expertise in deploying, operating and maintaining a fibre optic network.
Pakistan’s telecom market is witnessing a sharp increase in the data usage preference of 3G/4G cellular subscribers. This emerging trend is pushing the need for extensive 3G/4G rollout across the country and creating a demand for effective BTS backhauling for seamless data transmission. This agreement will enable ZONG to further expand its 3G and 4G network nationwide.
Senior management from both the companies including PTCL Chief Business Development Officer Sikander Naqi, PTCL Chief Technical and Information Officer Saad Warriach, PTCL CFO Muhammad Nehmatullah, Omar Khalid, Zond Corporate Affairs Director Maham Dard, Zong Chief Technical Officer Miao Qiao, Zong Executive Director Procurement Mannan Shabir and Zong Planning Network Director Li Yewen.
Management of both companies emphasised the need for deployment of cost-effective solutions that would enable delivery of quality telecommunication services for the Pakistani market. It is expected that this partnership will go a long way in paving a bright future for both companies.