USF approves Rs7.49b for high-speed internet, 4G expansion
98th Board meeting of the Universal Service Fund - Pakistan (USF Co) was convened on June 19, 2025. Photo: x.com/USF_Pak
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The Universal Service Fund (USF) Board of Directors has approved seven major telecommunications projects worth Rs7.49 billion to improve high-speed internet and mobile connectivity for nearly 960,000 people across 347 locations in 10 districts of Pakistan.
The announcement was made during the USF Board's 98th meeting, chaired by Zarar Hasham Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, held at USF headquarters on Sunday, Radio Pakistan reported.
Among the approved initiatives are two large-scale Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) projects aimed at providing high-speed fixed broadband to approximately 2.8 million people in the Sanghar and Jhang districts. These projects will involve the deployment of 940 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure, linking 113 towns and union councils.
'The Fund is not only launching new projects but also closely monitoring the timely completion of existing initiatives,' said Zarar Hasham Khan. 'Under the guidance of Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the USF is reshaping Pakistan's digital ecosystem.'
The 98th Board meeting of the Universal Service Fund - Pakistan (USF Co) was convened on June 19, 2025, under the chairmanship of Mr. Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary IT & Telecommunication, with CEO Universal Service Fund Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, Member Telecom Mr. Muhammad… pic.twitter.com/v6l4J76paG — Universal Service Fund- Pakistan (@USF_Pak) June 29, 2025
Khan noted that the USF's ongoing efforts have already connected more than 37 million people across the country. 'These efforts are helping young entrepreneurs and women in remote areas become freelancers and start businesses, thereby boosting Pakistan's IT exports,' he added.
The Board awarded all seven contracts to the lowest bidders following a completed procurement process. The two OFC projects alone are valued at over Rs5.65 billion. The Sanghar segment will require 415 kilometres of fibre, while the Jhang component will cover 525 kilometres.
Five other projects, with a combined value exceeding Rs1.83 billion, will bring 4G mobile broadband services to nearly 1,000 villages and settlements in Attock, Khushab, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Badin, and Abbottabad.
The projects are part of a wider effort to accelerate digital inclusion and stimulate economic activity through improved internet connectivity across Pakistan.
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