Rs32.9 billion approved to expand internet connectivity across Pakistan
Budget approved for connectivity
The Universal Service Fund (USF) Policy Committee has approved a Rs32.9 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The money will be used to expand broadband and telecom services in areas with limited or no connectivity.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja. USF Chief Executive Officer Mudassar Naveed and senior officials briefed the committee about ongoing projects and future spending plans.
Major share allocated to projects
Around Rs24.89 billion has been set aside for payments related to ongoing projects. Another Rs6.56 billion will support new connectivity projects, while Rs5.57 billion has been approved as the first-quarter allocation.
The USF currently has 28 projects under implementation. These include 17 Next Generation Broadband Service Delivery (NG-BSD) mobile broadband projects and 11 Next Generation Optical Fiber Network Services (NG-OFNS) projects.
New projects to expand coverage
The committee also approved nine new NG-BSD projects and four new NG-OFNS projects. Additional block allocations were approved for smaller projects under both programmes.
The projects are aimed at expanding mobile broadband and optical-fibre networks in areas where private telecom companies have limited commercial interest. The plan is expected to improve access for communities that have remained outside major connectivity networks.
Focus on closing digital divide
The USF supports telecom infrastructure in areas that are difficult for operators to serve commercially. Its optical-fibre programme also connects unserved tehsil headquarters and other locations to provide stronger broadband backhaul infrastructure.
Recent projects show the scale of the programme, including a Rs1.16 billion broadband project covering nine districts in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Other projects have focused on underserved areas including Muzaffargarh, Mansehra and Haripur.
More access to digital services
The broader USF broadband programme aims to improve access to e-health, e-government, education and e-commerce services. Its sustainable-development programme has also covered thousands of underserved mauzas and supported the installation of telecom towers.
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and USF said the latest approvals would support digital inclusion and telecom infrastructure in remote communities. The wider goal is to reduce Pakistan’s digital divide and bring more people into the country’s digital economy.
The Rs32.9 billion allocation shows a continued focus on expanding telecom services beyond major urban areas. A large portion of the funding is directed towards ongoing projects, while new projects will target locations with limited connectivity.
Better broadband access can make digital services more available in remote communities. The impact will depend on how quickly the approved projects are implemented and how effectively the new networks serve the targeted areas.
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