The Universal Service Fund (USF) Policy Committee has approved a Rs. 32.90 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-27 to expand digital connectivity in unserved and underserved areas across Pakistan.
The budget was approved at a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja. USF Chief Executive Officer Mudassar Naveed and senior management briefed the committee on the fund’s proposed project portfolio and spending priorities.
Of the approved budget, Rs. 24.89 billion has been allocated for disbursements against ongoing projects, while Rs. 6.56 billion has been earmarked for new initiatives.
The USF currently has 28 projects under implementation, including 17 Next Generation Broadband Service Delivery (NG-BSD) mobile broadband projects and 11 Next Generation Optical Fiber Network Services (NG-OFNS) projects.
The committee also approved nine new NG-BSD projects and four new NG-OFNS projects, along with block allocations for small lots under both programs. The initiatives are aimed at expanding telecom and broadband infrastructure in areas with limited connectivity.
The committee further approved the release of Rs. 5.57 billion as the first quarter allocation to the USF to support implementation of the approved program.
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and USF said they remain focused on expanding telecom connectivity, promoting digital inclusion and reducing the digital divide in underserved and remote areas.
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