Telecommunication organisations have estimated more than Rs 482 million damage in Azad Kashmir, Northern Areas and NWFP in October 8 earthquake, sources told Business Recorder.
As per data collected by respective organisations losses of Special Communication Organisation (SCO) were of Rs 402 million and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited Rs 80 million, and the communication services in Northern Areas have been fully restored whereas 37 damaged exchanges made operational in AJK, sources added.
About 20,294 lines, 48 telephone exchanges and 10 microwave stations were severely damaged by the earthquake in Azad Kashmir, which badly disrupted the telecommunication network. Majority of them was repaired and fully restored. However, they said that 7x200 lines and 4x50 lines are yet to be restored.
Sources said the SCO has installed 22 free PCOs in Muzaffarabad, 13 in Rawalakot, and 23 in the different areas of Bagh district whereas PTCL has provided Thurayya Phones free of cost for the affected areas.
The Information Technology Ministry arranged more than 50 Thurayya phones at half of the price. These are active both in AJK and Northern Areas. Intel has also provided 16 Laptop computers which are being used for telemedicine/information management system by the Holy Family Hospital while Pactech, a UN attached NGO, provided and installed two VSAT for telemedicine purposes.
The British Telecom (BT) has also installed a VAST terminals in the AJK through an agreement with SCO which will provide free international access to UK for a period of three months. Apart from these, the ministry has contributed Rs 300 million toward's the President's Relief Fund (PRF) to date and this contribution will continue.