USF Approves Rs7.49 Billion for Internet Connectivity Projects

The Board of Directors of the Universal Service Fund (USF) has sanctioned Rs7.49 billion for various projects aimed at enhancing high-speed internet access and ensuring reliable mobile connectivity, as per a recent statement from the USF.

These initiatives are designed to bring high-speed internet and seamless mobile services to approximately 960,000 individuals residing in 347 rural localities across 10 districts. Furthermore, two Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) projects are expected to deliver high-speed fixed broadband services to roughly 2.8 million residents in two additional districts.

“This significant undertaking includes the installation of 940km of OFC, connecting 113 towns and union councils, effectively diminishing the digital gap and empowering remote communities throughout the country,” the USF stated.

Details from the 98th Board Meeting

The USF Board of Directors convened its 98th meeting at the USF headquarters. The session was presided over by Zarar Hasham Khan, who serves as the Secretary of the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication (MoIT&T).

Among those in attendance were Member Telecom M. Jahanzeb Rahim, Muhammad Yousuf, and CEO of the Universal Service Fund, Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed. Ms. Ayla Majid participated via video conference.

Zarar Hasham Khan, the Board Chairman, remarked that the USF is “transforming Pakistan’s digital environment.”

“We are not only starting new projects but also guaranteeing the on-time completion of our current ones, strictly meeting our objectives,” he added.

The USF board chairman also noted that USF’s projects have positively impacted over 37 million people. These projects are helping to close the digital divide and providing opportunities for young people and women in remote locations to succeed as freelancers and entrepreneurs.

“This remarkable accomplishment highlights USF’s critical role in propelling Pakistan’s IT industry forward and significantly boosting IT exports, solidifying the nation’s position as an emerging technology center.”

Chief Executive Officer of USF, Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, updated the meeting on the progress of ongoing, completed, and planned projects.

The board acknowledged USF’s efforts in expanding connectivity to remote areas, recognizing that its projects offer digital connectivity and also greatly contribute to the advancement of Pakistan’s IT and telecom sectors. This is achieved particularly by improving input connectivity in rural and remote regions, which has a considerable influence, the USF statement noted.

Approval of Seven Projects

The USF board, following due process, approved the awarding of seven projects to the lowest qualified bidders, signaling a “new phase of digital connectivity in Pakistan”.

Specifically, two OFC projects, covering 940km in two districts with an investment of over Rs5.65 billion, were highlighted.

“These projects will revolutionize digital services in the Sanghar and Jhang districts, enabling approximately 2.8 million residents to connect. The Sanghar project will involve laying 415km of optical fiber cable, while the Jhang project will cover 525km.

“Upon completion, these projects will empower the residents of 113 towns and union councils with high-speed internet, effectively bridging the digital divide and unlocking opportunities for local communities to thrive in the digital world.”

Broadband Services Projects

In addition, five broadband services projects, totaling over Rs1.83 billion, were awarded to another lowest bidder after meeting strict tender requirements.

These projects are expected to deliver 4G services to over 965,000 residents in 347 underserved areas across 10 districts, including Attock, Khushab, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Badin, and Abbottabad. “This initiative will bridge the digital divide, foster economic growth, and empower communities with access to high-speed internet.”