The Universal Service Fund (USF) Policy Committee has approved a Rs. 32.90 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
The budget will support efforts to improve digital connectivity across Pakistan. It will mainly target unserved and underserved areas with limited telecom access.
The approval was given during a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
USF Chief Executive Officer Mudassar Naveed also attended the meeting. Senior management provided details about the proposed projects and spending priorities.
According to the approved plan, Rs. 24.89 billion will support ongoing projects. Another Rs. 6.56 billion has been allocated for new initiatives.
The USF currently has 28 projects being implemented across different areas. These projects are focused on expanding broadband and optical fiber infrastructure.
The portfolio includes 17 Next Generation Broadband Service Delivery (NG-BSD) projects. These projects are designed to improve mobile broadband services in areas with weak connectivity.
The remaining 11 projects fall under the Next Generation Optical Fiber Network Services (NG-OFNS) program. These projects focus on expanding optical fiber infrastructure.
The committee also approved several new projects under both programs. Nine new NG-BSD projects received approval during the meeting.
Four new NG-OFNS projects were also approved. The committee additionally agreed to block allocations for small lots under both programs.
These initiatives are expected to support better telecom services in areas that have limited digital infrastructure.
The committee also approved the release of Rs. 5.57 billion for the first quarter. This allocation will help begin implementation of the approved program for fiscal year 2026-27.
The funding forms part of the broader efforts to expand broadband access. It will also support the development of telecom infrastructure in remote locations.
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and USF highlighted digital inclusion as a key priority.
They said the initiatives aim to improve connectivity in underserved communities. The projects will also contribute toward reducing Pakistan’s digital divide.
Improved telecom infrastructure can provide greater access to online services. It can also support education, communication, business, and other digital activities.
The approved budget therefore covers both existing commitments and new connectivity projects.
The USF program will continue focusing on areas where commercial telecom investment remains limited. The latest approvals outline spending priorities for the new fiscal year.
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With ongoing and newly approved projects, the fund will continue supporting broadband expansion across Pakistan.
