USF approves Rs13b new telecom projects

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is poised to achieve a major milestone under the prime minister's Digital Pakistan vision with the approval of nine new telecom projects valuing at Rs13.05 billion. These projects are set to provide high-speed internet and voice services to 5.55 million un-served and underserved residents across 178 towns/union councils and 753 mauzas of 11 districts across the country, significantly empowering the rural population to participate in the digital economy and connect with the digital world, said a press release. Six projects will deliver high-speed broadband and voice services to 1.27 million people in 753 mauzas across seven districts. Similarly, three projects will lay optic fibre cable over 1,428 km in 178 towns/union councils in four districts and enable connectivity for 4.29 million people.