5.5 Million Rural Pakistanis to Get High-Speed Internet Under Rs. 13 Billion USF Projects

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is launching nine major telecom projects worth Rs. 13.05 billion to deliver high-speed internet and voice services to 5.55 million unserved and underserved residents across 178 towns/union councils and 753 mauzas in 11 districts. The new initiatives will expand broadband access, strengthen digital inclusion, and help rural communities participate more fully in the digital economy as part of the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan. These projects include six under the Next Generation Broadband Services for Sustainable Development (NGBSD) program, which will provide broadband and voice services to 1,267,225 people in 753 mauzas across seven districts. Three additional projects will expand the Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) network by laying 1,428 kilometers of cable across 178 towns/union councils in four districts, enabling connectivity for 4,292,639 people. The projects were formally approved during the 101st meeting of the USF Board of Directors, chaired by Secretary IT & Telecommunication and Chairman USF Board, Zarrar Hasham Khan. The meeting was attended by Chairman PTA Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, Member Telecom Jahanzeb Rahim, independent board members Muhammad Yousuf and Ms. Ayla Majid, USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed and other senior officials. The projects were awarded to the lowest compliant bidders through a rigorous and transparent process. Chairman Zarrar Hasham Khan stressed the urgent need to increase fiberization of mobile towers and Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) nationwide and encouraged USF to lead this effort in its designated areas. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving rural connectivity under the vision of Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasizing efforts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities. He praised USF’s critical role in supporting digital growth, highlighting that connectivity drives the IT industry, freelancers, and essential health and education services. He noted that USF has already served or enabled broadband, voice, and fixed-line services for around 39.4 million people in rural areas. USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed presented detailed briefings on the new projects, outlining their expected impact and the transparency of the bidding process. The Rs. 13.05 billion project portfolio spans various regions across the country.