Pakistan to expand 4G services to THESE remote areas!

ISLAMABAD – The federal government has decided to expand 4G services to remote areas of the country to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas.

According to details provided by the Universal Service Fund (USF) Board, 7 major projects have been approved to expand broadband and fiber optic infrastructure across Pakistan, involving a total investment of Rs 7.49 billion. The decision was taken under the leadership of IT Secretary and USF Board Chairman Zarar Khan.

The approved projects include five for broadband services and two for fiber optic deployment, covering 940 kilometers of fiber to connect 347 villages and 113 towns or union councils in 12 districts. The USF estimates that these projects will benefit about 2.8 million residents with fiber connectivity and 965,000 people through broadband services.

Zarar Khan stressed that the rapid rollout, under the guidance of Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima, is enabling thousands of skilled youth and women from remote areas to join the freelancing and digital startup ecosystem. To date, USF has facilitated broadband access for over 37 million people across the country.

USF CEO Mudassar Naveed provided further details, noting that Rs3.27 billion will be allocated for the installation of 415 km of fiber optic cable in Sanghar. In comparison, Rs2.38 billion will fund 525 km of cable in the surrounding areas of Jhang.

The initiative will also bring 4G connectivity to rural areas of Attock, Khushab, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Badin and Abbottabad. The Board of Directors commended USF for playing a significant role in the development of Pakistan’s IT sector and promoting digital exports.