GILGIT: A mobile service provider formally launched 4G Internet service in Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday. GB Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman was the chief guest during the launching ceremony at a local hotel.

CEO of the mobile service provider Irfan Wahab Khan said the deployment of fibre optic in GB was challenging due to its geographical terrain and extreme weather. He said the region was mainly served with Legacy VSAT satellite network to provide the residents with telecom services.

Mr Wahab said as a smart alternative, his company was using O3b satellite network to offer 4G service, a constellation of numerous satellites that orbit 8,000km away from the Earth.

He said low altitude reduced latency by up to four times bringing it on a par with long haul fibre transmission.

“In this increasingly digital world, where connectivity has become a need for growth and development opportunities, we are extending the benefits of high-speed mobile broadband to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, where it was not possible through conventional means,” he said.

CM Hafeezur Rehman said the world was moving towards a future with technology being the cornerstone of socioeconomic progress.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2019