USF to Lay 2000km Optical Fiber Cable Across Pakistan

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication that it plans to lay 2,000 kilometers of optical fiber cable (OFC) in upcoming projects for the fiscal year 2024-25. This initiative is part of USF’s ongoing Optical Fiber Program, which began in November 2020, targeting deep fiberization at the Union Council (UC) level. So far, 17 major OFC projects have been launched, connecting 884 UCs with 9,068 km of fiber, providing essential backhaul for existing mobile broadband (3G/4G) networks and future 5G expansion. USF stated that the launch of 5G services in rural areas remains pending, as commercial network rollouts depend on operators’ business plans and licensing from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Once the necessary licenses are issued, USF will identify unserved and underserved areas for 5G infrastructure development and design projects accordingly. In response to concerns raised by MNA Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti regarding a lack of telecom services in four underserved locations in the Sargodha district Chak numbers 67nb, 163nb, 112nb, and 152nb USF stated that these areas have been assessed for intervention. While the PTA had identified these locations, Chak number 115 was omitted from its report. USF confirmed that these areas have been noted for future connectivity projects. According to USF, efforts to bridge the digital divide focus on two major aspects: expanding physical telecom infrastructure and improving digital literacy, content localization, and public education. While USF projects primarily address connectivity through mobile broadband and fiber backhaul initiatives, it acknowledged that eliminating the digital divide requires broader measures, including education, socioeconomic interventions, and result-driven government policies. USF further stated that while its projects significantly contribute to reducing connectivity gaps, completely eliminating the digital divide by 2030 is beyond its sole capacity. The fund will continue optimizing its annual projects based on available resources, but factors such as policy support, financial investments, and collaborative efforts with government entities and private stakeholders remain crucial for achieving a fully connected digital society.