The Special Communications Organisation has unveiled plans for a comprehensive upgrade of its billing system to improve telecom services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The new system aims to enhance speed, accuracy, and overall efficiency, addressing long-standing delays in billing and revenue collection.
The project, estimated at Rs. 1.888 billion for the 2025–2028 period, includes a Rs. 945 million allocation requested for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Officials emphasize that the current legacy system has struggled to keep pace with rapid subscriber growth, which has surged from approximately 5,000 users to over 2.2 million in recent years.
The proposed “Convergent Billing System” will integrate multiple telecom services—mobile, landline, long-distance calls, fiber internet, and cloud solutions—into a single platform. Designed to support around 4 million users, the system is expected to streamline billing processes, reduce errors, and provide timely invoices for customers.
Beyond faster billing, the upgrade is projected to improve customer service, enable better management decisions, and strengthen telecom infrastructure in AJK and GB. Analysts note that modernized billing systems can also stimulate local business growth and support the expanding tourism sector by ensuring reliable communication services.
Currently, the project remains in the planning stage, with no funds disbursed. SCO is preparing documentation to secure approval from the Ministry of IT, signaling a proactive approach toward long-term telecom modernization. Once implemented, this initiative is expected to transform the region’s telecommunications landscape and meet growing consumer and commercial demand efficiently.
