Policy committees of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Ignite, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, have approved their budgets for the financial year 2024-25.
The USF, a government-funded agency aimed at promoting telecommunication services in underserved areas, has been allocated a budget of Rs. 23 billion. This budget will be used to fund various projects, such as broadband connectivity, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) initiatives, and other infrastructure development projects.
Ignite, a technology incubator and accelerator, has received a budget of Rs. 3.960 billion. This funding will be used to support startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the technology sector. Ignite’s initiatives include providing mentorship, funding, and incubation services to promising tech ventures.
The approval of these budgets is expected to significantly boost the development of the telecom and IT sectors in Pakistan. By investing in digital infrastructure and supporting innovation, the government aims to promote digital inclusion, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
The CEO of the USF, Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, briefed the policy committees on the ongoing and future projects that will be funded using the approved budgets. He highlighted the importance of these projects in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to telecommunication services across the country.
