USF approves four broadband projects

Schemes aimed at providing internet services to 0.66m people in Sindh, Punjab

ISLAMABAD:

The board of Universal Service Fund (USF) has approved four projects worth around Rs993 million to extend internet services to the untapped areas of Sindh and Punjab.

According to a statement issued on Monday, the board awarded mobile broadband contracts to Jazz on the advice of Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Aminul Haque. The schemes are expected to facilitate 0.66 million people.

“Access to broadband connectivity is a necessity, therefore, improving internet access for rural areas is a crucial priority,” said Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunication and USF Board Chairman Muhammad Sohail Rajput.

Read USF board approves Rs2.14b contracts

“We are contributing effectively to the realisation of Digital Pakistan vision and the development of information and communication technology sector to promote sustainable development.”

He voiced hope that these projects would play a vital role in providing better access to education and healthcare facilities to the marginalised communities.

Rajput was of the view that 4G connectivity across Pakistan would massively contribute to the socio-economic development.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21^st, 2021.

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