June 2, 2006	Friday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 5, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, June 1: The National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) has acquired the state-of-the-art DVB-RCS satellite communication system which will enhance its broadband capability.

The equipment was provided by British Telecommunication at a cost of $1.5 million. The Nadra and BT signed two agreements to this effect at the authority’s headquarters on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Nadra Chairman Brig (retd) Saleem Ahmed Moeen said BT was one of the leading companies in satellite communication system.

He said after having acquired the latest equipment, Nadra’s capability of connectivity will be enhanced not only from rural areas but also from its offices established abroad.

The official said some 29 countries had participated in the bidding process to win the contract and it was awarded to BT for filing the lowest bid.

He said BT had already provided the system to 120 countries.

The equipment, he said, could also be installed on Nadra’s mobile units and it will prove helpful in being linked to the authority’s headquarters from rural areas. “We will use the equipment through the country’s satellite system,” he added.

BT General Manager Paul Falker said his company will impart training to the Nadra’s team to handle the equipment.

He said the system will enhance Nadra’s capability to promptly verify any document or application filed anywhere in the world for Machine Readable Passports (MRPs), Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and other purposes.

The meeting was informed that the new system would become operational by

May 2007.

BT is stated to be among the top providers of communication solutions, serving customers throughout the world.

It has developed world-class strategic partnerships and joint research and development (R and D) initiatives to offer a wide choice of innovative, inspirational and integrated solutions.

World-class brands like Nortel, Cisco, Microsoft, Intel and HP are also partners of British Telecom.

The Nadra will extend technical facilities and support to BT in its projects as it is the only organisation of Pakistan which has partnered with BT.

The Nadra has been facing some serious challenges like limited reach and secure availability of telecom infrastructure, especially in far-flung areas, in terms of supporting the data communications network capable of delivering services to the citizens of Pakistan.