The Universal Service Fund (USF) is poised to achieve a major milestone under the prime minister's Digital Pakistan vision with the approval of nine new telecom projects valuing at Rs13.05 billion.

These projects are set to provide high-speed internet and voice services to 5.55 million un-served and underserved residents across 178 towns/union councils and 753 mauzas of 11 districts across the country, significantly empowering the rural population to participate in the digital economy and connect with the digital world, said a press release.

Six projects will deliver high-speed broadband and voice services to 1.27 million people in 753 mauzas across seven districts. Similarly, three projects will lay optic fibre cable over 1,428 km in 178 towns/union councils in four districts and enable connectivity for 4.29 million people.

The new projects received formal approval during the 101st meeting of the USF board of directors, chaired by Board Chairman and IT and Telecom Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan.

The USF board awarded the projects to various service providers following a rigorous and transparent process, selecting the lowest compliant bidders.

Board Chairman Zarrar Hasham underscored the urgent need to enhance the fiberisation of mobile towers and Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) nationwide, proactively encouraging the USF to spearhead the crucial effort within its mandated areas.

"In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, we are fully committed to providing superior-quality connectivity to the rural population, thereby bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities," he said.

While praising the USF's role in empowering rural communities, he asserted that connectivity was the key driver for digital growth and the IT sector. He noted the fund's vital support for the IT industry, freelancers and essential health and educational services. To date, 39.4 million people in rural areas have been provided broadband, voice and fixed-line services through the USF projects.