Rs. 13.05 billion

Rs. 13.05 billion

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has launched nine major telecom projects worth Rs. 13.05 billion. These projects will deliver high-speed internet and voice services to 5.55 million unserved and underserved people. Additionally, they will cover 178 towns/union councils and 753 mauzas in 11 districts.

The new initiatives will expand broadband access. Moreover, they will promote digital inclusion and help rural communities join the digital economy. This progress directly supports the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan.

NGBSD and OFC Projects Announced

USF has approved six projects under the Next Generation Broadband Services for Sustainable Development (NGBSD) program. These efforts will offer broadband and voice services to 1,267,225 people in 753 mauzas across seven districts.

In addition, USF cleared three Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) projects. These projects will lay 1,428 kilometers of fiber across 178 towns/union councils in four districts. Consequently, 4,292,639 more people will gain reliable connectivity.

USF Board Approves Projects

The 101st USF Board meeting approved the entire portfolio. Secretary IT & Telecommunication and USF Board Chairman Zarrar Hasham Khan chaired the session. Other attendees included PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, Member Telecom Jahanzeb Rahim, independent board members, and USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed.

The board awarded all projects to the lowest compliant bidders through a transparent and competitive process.

Government Stresses Tower Fiberization

Chairman Zarrar Hasham Khan stressed the urgent need to increase the fiberization of mobile towers and BTS sites nationwide. He urged USF to accelerate this effort in its assigned regions.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening rural connectivity. He also highlighted the strong support of the Prime Minister and the Federal IT Minister in narrowing the digital divide between urban and rural Pakistan.

USF’s Impact on Rural Connectivity

He praised USF for driving digital growth. He noted that connectivity empowers freelancers, boosts the IT industry, and improves access to healthcare and education. To date, USF has enabled broadband, voice, and fixed-line services for nearly 39.4 million rural residents.

Meanwhile, USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed shared insights into the newly approved projects. He explained the transparent bidding process and highlighted the expected impact of the Rs. 13.05 billion portfolio.

NGBSD Projects

  • Umerkot District (Sindh): Rs. 914.6 million for 243,695 residents across 142 mauzas.
  • Gujranwala & Mandi Bahuddin (Punjab): Rs. 737.3 million for 234,573 residents in 160 mauzas.
  • Kohat (KPK): Rs. 359.3 million for 41,404 residents across 24 mauzas.
  • Khuzdar (Balochistan): Rs. 2.94 billion for 75,637 residents across 144 mauzas.
  • Muzaffargarh (Punjab): Rs. 1.50 billion for 498,927 residents across 138 mauzas.
  • Mansehra (KPK): Rs. 1.36 billion for 172,989 residents across 145 mauzas.

OFC Projects

For more updates, visit:
https://newsworld.globiscope.com

Rs. 13.05 billion