ISLAMABAD: To improve digital access in underdeveloped areas, the Universal Service Fund (USF) Board has approved seven new projects. These broadband and fibre optic cable projects will cost a total of Rs7.49 billion and will cover 12 districts across Pakistan.
USF Board Chairman and IT Secretary Zarar Khan said that the board approved five broadband service projects and two projects for laying 940 kilometres of optical fibre cable. These efforts will bring digital connectivity to 347 villages and 113 towns and union councils.
He added that the fibre cable network alone will benefit 2.8 million people, while the broadband service projects will connect another 965,000 residents to high-speed internet.
Zarar Khan said that, under the direction of Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, work on expanding internet access in remote regions has been accelerated. So far, USF has provided broadband services to over 37 million people nationwide.
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He also highlighted that the initiative is helping a large number of skilled youth and women from remote areas to become freelancers and start digital businesses. USF is playing a major role in the growth of Pakistan’s IT industry and boosting IT exports.
USF CEO Mudassar Naveed shared further details: in Sanghar, a project worth Rs3.27 billion will lay 415 km of fibre cable. In Jhang, another 525 km cable will be installed with funding over Rs2.38 billion.
Additionally, 347 villages in Attock, Khushab, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Badin, and Abbottabad will be connected to 4G services.
