Government Decides to Expand Broadband and Telecom Infrastructure in Underdeveloped Areas, Approves Rs32.9 Billion USF Budget
ISLAMABAD:The Federal Government has made a formal decision to aggressively promote the extension of broadband and telecommunications infrastructure to underserved, remote and underdeveloped areas of the country to help close the digital divide.
During a high-level meeting of the Universal Service Fund (USF) Policy Committee chaired by the Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the comprehensive budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was officially approved.
The distribution of funds for current and new projects.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has approved a total allocation of Rs32.9 billion under the Universal Service Fund, which is directed towards building strong digital connectivity in areas with low facilities and far reaches.
Active Projects: Rs24.89 billion budget has been allocated for continuation of active projects.
New Initiatives: Rs6.56 billion has been allocated for the start of all-new developmental initiatives.
Growth of mobile broadband and optical fiber infrastructure.Growth in mobile broadband and optical fiber infrastructure.
A total of 28 USF projects were identified in the official briefings and included in their list of mobile broadband projects (17) and optical fibre network ventures (11) across the country.
In addition, 9 new mobile broadband projects received formal approval and 4 new optical fiber network projects were approved. Smaller-scale community programs have also been budgeted under both of the major USF plans, and the immediate approval to spend Rs5.57 billion on the first quarter of the fiscal year.