USF Approves Rs32.9bn for 4G Expansion Projects Across 21 Districts

The Universal Service Fund (USF) policy committee has approved a Rs32.90 billion budget for FY2026-27, including funding for 15 4G connectivity projects aimed at extending mobile broadband access to around 3.66 million people across 1,893 mauzas in 21 districts.

 

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja chaired the meeting, where USF Chief Executive Officer Mudassar Naveed and senior officials presented the organisation’s project portfolio and budget priorities.

 

Of the approved allocation, Rs24.89 billion has been earmarked for payments related to ongoing projects, while Rs6.56 billion will finance new initiatives. The committee also released Rs5.57 billion for the first quarter to support timely implementation.

 

The USF currently oversees 28 projects, comprising 17 Next Generation Broadband Service Delivery (NG-BSD) schemes and 11 Next Generation Optical Fibre Network Services (NG-OFNS) projects. The latest programme includes nine additional NG-BSD projects, four NG-OFNS projects and block funding for smaller connectivity schemes targeting remote settlements.

 

The 15 contracted 4G projects carry a combined subsidy of approximately Rs14.01 billion and have a target population of 3.66 million.

 

The Kurram project has reached 75% completion, covering 40 mauzas and around 251,980 people with a subsidy of Rs92.25 million. Five projects — Pishin, Chiniot, Abbottabad, Badin and Kohat — have reached 50% completion.

 

The Pishin project covers Pishin, Killa Abdullah and Quetta, spanning 306 mauzas and targeting approximately 574,545 people. It has a subsidy of Rs1.32 billion, making it the largest project by target population among the 15 schemes.

 

Other projects include Chiniot, covering 117 mauzas and 333,267 people; Abbottabad, covering 61 mauzas and 157,473 people; Badin, covering 144 mauzas and 432,666 people; and Kohat, covering 24 mauzas and 41,404 people.

 

Umar Kot and Khuzdar projects are at 25% completion. Umar Kot covers 142 mauzas and 243,695 people with a Rs914.61 million subsidy, while Khuzdar covers 144 mauzas and 75,637 people and has the largest subsidy allocation at around Rs2.95 billion.

 

Work is also underway on projects covering Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Muzaffargarh, Mansehra, Haripur, Rajanpur and Sujawal, along with Small Lot P-15.

 

The projects are intended to expand 4G coverage in underserved areas, improve access to digital and online services and support greater participation in the digital economy. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and USF are implementing the programme as part of efforts to improve digital inclusion and reduce the country's connectivity gap.