ISLAMABAD, Sep 22 (APP):The Universal Service Fund (USF) Policy Committee on Tuesday approved the USF budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with an outlay of Rs. 32.90 billion aimed at expanding digital connectivity across unserved and underserved areas of the country. The committee was chaired by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who was briefed by USF Chief Executive Officer Mudassar Naveed and senior management of the …
USF Policy Committee approves Rs 32.90bln budget for FY 2026-27
ISLAMABAD, Sep 22 (APP):The Universal Service Fund (USF) Policy Committee on Tuesday approved the USF budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with an outlay of Rs. 32.90 billion aimed at expanding digital connectivity across unserved and underserved areas of the country.
The committee was chaired by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who was briefed by USF Chief Executive Officer Mudassar Naveed and senior management of the Fund, said a news release.
They presented the proposed programme portfolio and budgetary priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
The approved budget comprises Rs. 24.89 billion for disbursements against ongoing projects and Rs. 6.56 billion earmarked for new initiatives.
Currently, 28 projects are under implementation, including 17 Next Generation Broadband Service Delivery (NG-BSD) mobile broadband projects and 11 Next Generation Optical Fiber Network Services (NG-OFNS) projects.
Under the new allocation, nine NG-BSD and four NG-OFNS projects had been approved, in addition to block allocations for small lots under both programmes.
The allocations reflect the government’s continued resolve to extend telecom and broadband infrastructure to areas most in need of connectivity.
The Policy Committee also approved the release of the first-quarter allocation of Rs. 5.57 billion to the USF to facilitate the execution of the approved programme.
Through sustained investment and targeted interventions, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and USF remain committed to bridging the digital divide, accelerating digital inclusion and expanding telecom connectivity to far-flung and underserved regions of the country.
