ISLAMABAD: Through the Broadband for Sustainable Development Programme, Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunications has been aggressively working to provide telecom services to the un-served mauzas across the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Recently, an agreement has been signed for providing broadband Internet facility in far-flung areas to accelerate socio-economic development to 5,896 villages of FATA. The spokesman of the ministry told state-run media on Monday, this programme was redesigned to include the broadband equivalent data services as a compulsory component and for new projects, powering of telecommunication sites through solar energy was also made a part of each project. Ministry of IT & Telecom would utilise funds being generated under Universal Service Fund (USF) for providing IT and telecom services in unserved and far-flung areas on priority, he added. He said through the project 3G mobile broadband services would be provided in the areas of Mohmand, Bajaur and Malakand, having population of 1,599,500 residing in 684 muzas. While giving details, he told that in Khyber lot, 3G mobile broadband services were being provided in the areas of Khyber Agency, FR Kohat, FR Peshawar, Kohat, Karak and Hangu, the areas consist of population of 1,751,600 residing in 503 muzas. IT Minister Anusha Rahman said she was pleased that with consistent efforts and spirit, USF was undertaking challenging and productive programmes for promoting telecom related services. Anusha RAhman said she was proud of the fact that now people living in FATA would also be able to have access to 3G services like other parts of the country. Published in Daily Times, April 16th 2018.