Universal Service Fund (USF) has announced plans to lay 2,000 kilometers of optical fiber cable (OFC) in the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25, further strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. This development was shared with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, highlighting USF’s commitment to expanding connectivity in unserved and underserved regions.
The initiative is a continuation of USF’s Optical Fiber Program, which commenced in November 2020 with the goal of deep fiberization at the Union Council (UC) level. Since its inception, the program has made significant strides in improving Pakistan’s telecom backbone. To date, 17 major OFC projects have been launched under this framework, successfully linking 884 UCs with an extensive 9,068 km fiber network. These connections serve as essential backhaul infrastructure for mobile broadband services (3G/4G) and set the foundation for future 5G deployments.
Despite these advancements, the rollout of 5G services in rural areas remains uncertain. USF clarified that the commercial launch of 5G is dependent on telecom operators’ business strategies and licensing approvals from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Once the necessary licensing framework is established, USF will work to identify unserved and underserved areas in need of 5G infrastructure and will design new projects to facilitate deployment.
During the briefing, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti raised concerns about the lack of telecom services in several remote locations within the Sargodha district, specifically Chak numbers 67NB, 163NB, 112NB, and 152NB. In response, USF assured that these areas had already been assessed for potential intervention. However, Chak number 115 was not included in PTA’s initial report. USF stated that it has taken note of the concerns and will incorporate these locations into future connectivity plans.
The USF emphasized that bridging the digital divide in Pakistan requires more than just expanding physical infrastructure. While mobile broadband and fiber backhaul projects are crucial to improving access, other essential factors include digital literacy, localized content development, and public awareness programs. The fund acknowledged that overcoming the digital divide is a multifaceted challenge requiring coordinated efforts from various government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and community organizations.
Looking ahead, USF stated that while its projects will continue to significantly contribute to connectivity expansion, eliminating the digital divide entirely by 2030 is beyond its sole capacity. The organization remains committed to optimizing its annual projects within available financial resources, but achieving a fully connected digital society will require policy support, increased investments, and strategic collaborations with both public and private entities.
With the planned rollout of an additional 2,000 km of fiber, USF aims to further accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation, ensuring that more communities gain access to reliable and high-speed internet services. However, the broader goal of nationwide digital inclusion will depend on sustained efforts and a collective approach from all key players in the telecom and IT sectors.
