USF Board also approves Rs2.14 billion broadband projects
Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
The Universal Service Fund (USF) Board has approved four projects worth approximately Rs2.14 billion to provide high speed internet to approximately 2.2 million people in the under-served and un-served areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces.
The Internet contracts awarded to Telenor and Jazz and Optic Fiber Cable contract to PTCL. The Board also approved the USF’s budget worth approximately PKR 18 Billion for FY 2021-22.
The Federal Secretary for Ministry of IT and Telecommunication & Chairman of USF Board, Dr. Sohail Rajput chaired the 77th Board of Directors meeting of USF here on Monday.
While addressing the meeting, Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunication and Chairman of USF Board, Dr. Sohail Rajput said, “The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through USF is ensuring adequate access to communication infrastructures for all citizens for the realization of Digital Pakistan vision.”
The Federal Secretary also added that as advised by the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque, the Board has approved these projects to improve rural populations’ standard of living, create jobs and make access to government services easier.
Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Chief Executive Officer of USF briefed Board about on going and upcoming Projects.
He welcomed Dr. Sohail Rajput as Chairman of USF Board. “USF is committed to providing Digital way to connect the Peoples with Digital World by its Projects and will strengthen partnerships, develop strategic alliances and further expand its footprint”, he added.
According to the details, the Board approved award of contracts under the Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development (NGBSD) program worth around PKR 1.19 Billion to Telenor and Jazz that will benefit an unserved population of over 1 million and an approximate unserved area of 6,280 sq. km.
