USF has allocated Rs. 9.5 billion over the past three and a half fiscal years (2021-2025) to improve telecommunication services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as revealed in official documents presented to the Senate. This substantial investment seeks to bridge the digital divide by expanding mobile network coverage and fiber optic infrastructure in remote and underserved areas.
The initiative has successfully extended 2G, 3G, and 4G telecom services to 1,600 remote locations across KP, ensuring network coverage along 37.43 kilometers of key road segments. In addition, the deployment of 1,159 kilometers of optical fiber cable (OFC) has connected 67 tehsil headquarters with union councils and towns, significantly enhancing digital access in the province.
As part of its strategy, the USF launched 18 major initiatives aimed at ensuring digital inclusion for the province’s rural and economically disadvantaged populations. These efforts included significant investments in expanding 2G and 3G services across various districts, with Chitral receiving Rs. 16.48 million, Kohistan Rs. 16.12 million, Khyber Rs. 60.73 million, Mohmand Rs. 22.65 million, Dera Ismail Khan Rs. 62.27 million, and Waziristan Rs. 83.87 million. Meanwhile, the expansion of 4G services received a major funding boost, with Rs. 1.09 billion allocated to various projects. The districts of Swabi, Swat, Bannu, and Buner received Rs. 555 million, Rs. 250.23 million, Rs. 251.03 million, and Rs. 1.99 billion, respectively, to support high-speed internet connectivity.
Beyond providing mobile coverage, the government has strategically invested in projects aimed at boosting economic development, particularly in tourism and highway connectivity. The Tourist Destination-K1 and K2 projects were allocated Rs. 196.87 million and Rs. 170.22 million, respectively, to enhance telecom services in key tourist regions. Additionally, Rs. 491.60 million was earmarked for improving telecom infrastructure along National Highways and Motorways (NH&MW) Lot-9 (N-35), ensuring reliable communication along vital road networks.
Two significant projects focusing on fiber optic expansion—FATA Package-1 and KPK (FATA) Package-2—have also received substantial funding. The first project secured Rs. 84.49 million for the deployment of 132.99 kilometers of OFC, while the second project obtained Rs. 1.5 billion to install 742.54 kilometers of fiber, connecting 37 towns across the province. Furthermore, Rs. 913.40 million was allocated to the UC-KP-LOT-18 project, which aims to deploy 283.11 kilometers of OFC, improving data transmission in 27 union councils.
To ensure efficiency and transparency, the telecom projects under the USF were awarded through a competitive bidding process. Several leading telecom operators and internet service providers—including Jazz, Ufone, Telenor, Zong, PTCL, Dancom, Nayatel, and others—secured contracts to implement these projects. These companies are operating under a turnkey service model, responsible for designing, installing, and commissioning the network infrastructure.
Compliance with Public Procurement Regulatory Authority rules has been made mandatory for all projects to maintain transparency and accountability. Payments to service providers will only be released after network verification and independent third-party technical audits confirm that the services meet the required quality standards. The government’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity in KP reflects its broader vision of fostering socio-economic development through technology. By extending both mobile and fiber-optic networks, the initiative is expected to facilitate digital inclusion, enhance economic opportunities, boost tourism, and provide reliable connectivity to even the most remote areas of the province.
