Policy committee approves Rs33bn budget for Universal Service Fund

The Universal Service Fund's Policy Committee, led by Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, cleared spending of Rs32.90 billion for the year 2026-27 on Tuesday, according to Dawn. The fund's central goal is widening digital access in areas that remain unserved or receive too little service. The panel also approved a first-quarter release of Rs5.57 billion so the programme can move ahead.

Rs24.89 billion is earmarked for disbursement against ongoing projects, while Rs6.56 billion is set aside for new initiatives. Currently, 28 projects are being executed, among them 17 NG-BSD mobile broadband projects and 11 NG-OFNS optical fibre projects. The new allocation adds nine NG-BSD projects, four NG-OFNS projects, plus block allocations covering small lots in both programmes.

USF chief executive Mudassar Naveed and his senior team walked the committee through the planned portfolio and FY27 budget priorities. According to the ministry and USF, the aim is to keep closing the digital divide and extend telecom links to remote, underserved regions.