Over seventy connectivity projects worth Rs 65 billion Universal Service Fund (USF) underway for the connectivity of far-flung areas would be completed by June next year.
Over seventy connectivity projects worth Rs 65 billion Universal Service Fund (USF) underway for the connectivity of far-flung areas would be completed by June next year.
“28 million people would get broadband facilities after the completion of these connectivity projects,” said an official of the ministry of IT.
He said, since its inception, USF has awarded 123 projects worth approximately Rs. 124.8 billion in subsidy under its flagship programs and empowered more than 26 million people living in over 12,000 mauzas, thereby covering over 120 districts across Pakistan.
USF has also successfully laid more than 12,000 km of Optical Fiber which has connected more than 600 Tehsil Headquarters (THQs)/Union Councils (UCs) and major towns of Pakistan and is paving the way for 5G technology.
He said all these projects of USF are playing a vital role in gender empowerment and accelerating the accessibility of e-suite services that include e-education, e-health, e-agriculture, e-finance, e-commerce, and bridging the digital divide in Pakistan.
Universal Service Fund was established by the Government of Pakistan (Ministry of Information Technology) to spread the benefits of the telecom revolution to all corners of Pakistan. Universal Service Fund promotes the development of telecommunication services in un-served and under-served areas throughout the length and breadth of the country.
The fund consists of contributions (1.5% of adjusted revenues) by the Telecom Operators with no Government funding involved. To utilize this fund for the achievement of the targets, it was decided to follow a Corporate Model.
The structure of USF Company is the first of its kind in Pakistan and a Corporate Model is being followed for achieving the targets set for the company in USF policy. USF Company has an independent and diversified Board of Directors which is equally balanced between four members from the government and four from the private sector. CEO is the 9th director of the Board.
Originally published at Urdu Point