Pakistan invests billions to expand 4G access
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In Islamabad, the Universal Service Fund (USF) policy committee approved 32.90 billion Pakistani rupees (approximately $117 million USD) to improve 4G connectivity across the country.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, led the meeting where officials discussed funding for ongoing and new projects. The USF designated 24.89 billion rupees for continuing current work and 6.56 billion rupees for new projects, releasing 5.57 billion rupees immediately to ensure timely execution.
Currently, the USF manages 28 projects focused on broadband and optical fibre networks. This new budget will fund nine additional broadband projects, four optical fibre projects, and smaller initiatives reaching remote areas. Fifteen contracted 4G projects will receive 14.008 billion rupees in subsidies, aiming to connect 3.66 million people across 1,893 mauzas (revenue villages) in 21 districts. The Kurram project is the most advanced, with 75% completion, while Pishin, Chiniot, Abbottabad, Badin, and Kohat are all 50% complete.
The Pishin project, spanning Pishin, Killa Abdullah and Quetta, will serve 574,545 people with a 1.32 billion rupee subsidy, the largest population target of the 15 schemes. These efforts intend to provide online services and opportunities to communities that currently lack reliable internet access, furthering digital inclusion throughout Pakistan.
