USF Bold Vision: Expanding 4G Connectivity and Fiber-Optic Innovation in Gwadar and Beyond

Revolutionizing Telecommunications and Bridging Connectivity Gaps across Pakistan

P.c. Dawn

USF Bold Vision: Expanding 4G Connectivity and Fiber-Optic Innovation in Gwadar and Beyond


The Universal Service Fund (USF) is gearing up for an exciting fiber-optic venture in Gwadar, aimed at ushering in high-speed 4G-compatible internet and telecommunications services. This groundbreaking initiative is slated for completion by the middle of the upcoming year.

The USF has wrapped up preparations for several significant projects, encompassing a 400km fiber-optic endeavor in Gwadar and the introduction of 4G services in Balochistan's Loralai region. Additionally, they are set to elevate data services to 4G in various Punjab districts, including Vehari, Lodhran, Sialkot, Narowal, Nankan Sahib, and Sheikhpura.

P.c. Dawn

Sources within the Ministry of Information Technology have confirmed that these projects are in the final stages of approval and are poised to commence in late June. The expected timeline for completion ranges from 12 to 18 months, depending on the project.

Beyond serving residential and commercial areas, the USF has devised an ambitious blueprint to blanket the national road network with enhanced connectivity. A project concerning IT and telecom services along the 309km Faisalabad-Multan M4 Motorway is slated for launch next month.

Minister for IT and Telecom, Syed Aminul Haque, emphasized the USF's commitment to extending seamless mobile network coverage along major highways, promoting safer travel, bolstering the local economy, and advancing the IT and telecom sector. He underscored the importance of developing infrastructure for high-speed mobile broadband services on national highways as a crucial step toward launching 5G services in the future.

Anticipated milestones include the completion of USF projects on the Lahore-Abdul Hakeem M3 Motorway and the 392km Multan-Sukkur M5 Motorway by year-end.

While Makran Coastal Highway and NH 50-70 in Balochistan have already enjoyed telecom services, certain segments of N-25 (RCD Highway) and N65 (Quetta-Jacobabad Highway) have faced delays due to local political issues and a lack of NOC for installing telecom towers. Efforts are underway to resolve these issues with the involvement of local dignitaries and elected representatives from Balochistan.

Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO of USF, also revealed plans to harness solar energy to power telecommunication sites, particularly in remote regions where the supply of conventional fuel presents challenges.

Since 2018, the USF has initiated 56 projects, amounting to over Rs52 billion, dedicated to deploying optic-fiber cables and broadband services across the nation. The USF, a subsidiary of the IT Ministry, is entrusted with expanding internet and telecom services to remote, commercially neglected areas of the country. The fund is financed by 1.5% of adjusted revenues from telecom operators, and contracts for IT and telecom infrastructure development are awarded through auctions, with funds disbursed from the USF.