MUZAFFARABAD, Dec 9: The Special Communication Organization is speedily processing the paper work to launch the second phase of its digital telecom project in Azad Kashmir next year during which around 50,000 new telephone connections would be allotted throughout the state, an official said here on Sunday.

SCO’s commanding officer for Muzaffarabad division, Lt Col Syed Ehtisham ul Haq Tirimzi, told a group of reporters that the second phase would cost approximately Rs450 million and it would also include introduction of much sought after mobile phone facility in major cities of Azad Kashmir.

The SCO official said his organization was committed to carry on its steadfast endeavours to facilitate maximum portion of AJK’s population by providing them all facilities in the telecommunication sector.

The SCO had executed the first phase of telecom project at a cost of Rs 1.5 billion through Swedish telecom giant Ericson whereby the old fashioned EMD system in major cities and towns of Azad Kashmir was replaced with digital exchanges. The first phase was commissioned in June 1999.

In the second phase, digital system would be introduced in the remaining towns of Azad Kashmir besides extension in the already operational system, through expansion of cable networking, construction of new and upgradation of existing exchanges.

Col Tirimzi told that replacement and fresh laying of underground cables would be started shortly, which would not only help improve the existing facility but also support the second phase.

On the provision of mobile telephone service, he said it was part of second phase and would be launched sometime next year in the major towns of Azad Kashmir. But, he said it was yet to be decided that which company would run the mobile phone network.

The SCO official said the organization was paying equal attention to the provision of telecom facilities in the remotest areas of Azad Kashmir. In this connection, he told that a 100-line exchange would start operation in Sharda village of Neelum valley within a week to benefit the people of that particular village and its surrounding areas. There were already two other exchanges working in Kel and Athmuqam in Neelum valley, he added.