The Universal Service Fund (USF) has launched nine major telecom projects worth Rs. 13.05 billion to provide high-speed internet and voice services to 5.55 million people in rural Pakistan. These projects will cover 178 towns and 753 mauzas across 11 districts, aiming to expand digital access nationwide.
Six projects are part of the Next Generation Broadband Services for Sustainable Development (NGBSD) program. They will deliver broadband and voice services to 1.26 million residents in 753 mauzas across seven districts. Three other projects focus on expanding the Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) network. A total of 1,428 kilometers of cable will be laid in 178 towns, providing high-speed internet connectivity to 4.29 million people.
The projects were approved at the 101st USF Board meeting, chaired by Secretary IT & Telecommunication and USF Chairman Zarrar Hasham Khan. Attendees included PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, Member Telecom Jahanzeb Rahim, USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed, and independent board members. The projects were awarded to the lowest compliant bidders after a transparent process.
Chairman Zarrar Hasham Khan emphasized the urgent need to increase fiberization of mobile towers and Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) across the country. He said providing high-speed internet to rural communities is essential for bridging the digital divide and supporting the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan.
USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed said these initiatives will enhance broadband access, support digital growth, and enable rural communities to participate in the digital economy. The projects cover multiple regions, including Sindh, Punjab, KPK, and Balochistan. Key allocations include:
- Umerkot, Sindh: Rs. 914.6M for 243,695 residents
- Khuzdar, Balochistan: Rs. 2.94B for 75,637 residents
- Sialkot, Punjab: Rs. 1.64B for 2.29M residents (OFC network)
- Quetta-Ziarat, Balochistan: Rs. 2.06B for 858,783 residents (OFC network)
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The projects are expected to improve digital inclusion, strengthen education, health services, and the IT sector, and provide rural Pakistanis with reliable high-speed internet access.
