Minister for IT&T approves Universal Service Fund contracts aiming to improve telecom infrastructure

Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has approved the various contracts coming under the Universal Service Fund (USF) which aim to boost the IT and telecommunication infrastructure throughout the country. Around Rs. 1.89 billion were allocated and approved by USF previously through which various projects will be started or completed at remote parts of the country.

During the ceremony, the Federal Minister addressed the audience and stressed that in the present era, there is a major role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the social and economic development of any country. We have previously seen that IT exports have risen to over the years in Pakistan. In the first quarter of 2018, we had around $355 million exports in this particular sector alone showing its value in the growth of the economy.

The Minister went on to say that ICT has a great role in Pakistan’s social and economic development. Universal Service Fund has started various projects for the social and economic development of the people in the remote areas of the country. One particular example is the Broadband for Sustainable Development (BSD) which will target around 12,000 districts in all provinces of the country and will connect them with the rest of the world.

USF will also offer broadband connectivity on motorways and highways. He emphasized that Broadband coverage is vital for passengers’ security on national highways and motorways. As of right now, around 7700 km of roads do not have connectivity.

The Ministry will keep on taking steps to make broadband available in each and every corner of the country via the IT Universal Service Fund. Education and employment opportunities and health facilities will be provided through the expansion of digital services in remote areas.