USF Panel Approves Rs33B Digital Connectivity Budget

News Desk
ISLAMABAD:The Policy Committee of the Universal Service Fund (USF), operating under the leadership of Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, formally approved a substantial budget of Rs32.90 billion for the fiscal year 2026-27 on Tuesday.
Aimed at bridging the digital divide, the overarching objective of the USF remains the aggressive expansion of robust digital connectivity across unserved and underserved regions throughout Pakistan.
During the high-level session, USF Chief Executive Officer Mudassar Naveed, alongside senior management personnel, delivered a comprehensive briefing outlining the proposed programme portfolio and core budgetary priorities for the upcoming fiscal cycle.
The newly endorsed financial plan allocates Rs24.89 billion for ongoing development projects, while a dedicated Rs6.56 billion has been earmarked for critical new initiatives designed to accelerate telecommunication infrastructure development in remote territories.
The strategic injection of funds is poised to significantly bolster the country’s telecommunications landscape, directly benefiting marginalized communities and local economies by integrating remote populations into the national digital mainstream.
Enhanced broadband and optical fibre access are widely recognized as catalysts for remote education, e-commerce, and digital inclusion, which are vital components for Pakistan’s sustained economic growth and modernization of public service delivery.
To ensure seamless execution, the Policy Committee also greenlit the immediate release of the first-quarter allocation amounting to Rs5.57 billion to facilitate uninterrupted rollout.
The approved portfolio currently encompasses 28 active ventures, featuring 17 Next Generation Broadband Service Delivery mobile broadband schemes and 11 Next Generation Optical Fibre Network Services projects, alongside newly sanctioned lots to further widen the network footprint.