Pakistan plans to install 3,809 kilometers of optical fiber cable to connect 459 underserved union councils and towns under telecommunications projects worth Rs. 30.8 billion.

The projects are expected to extend connectivity to around 2.8 million people and improve internet access in areas where telecom infrastructure remains limited, according to a Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication reply submitted to the National Assembly.

The ministry said the Universal Service Fund (USF) Board had approved 25 projects to expand telecommunications infrastructure across underserved regions, covering more than 1,560 mauzas.

Of the 25 projects, 24 have either been awarded or are under implementation, the ministry said.

Existing Fibre Network and Mobile Coverage

The ministry also shared progress on the USF’s existing optical fiber program, under which 36 projects were launched to connect 1,497 tehsil headquarters, union councils and towns through more than 21,700 kilometers of fiber infrastructure.

Of these, 26 projects have been completed, connecting 1,089 locations and laying more than 18,300 kilometers of optical fiber cable.

Separately, the USF has launched 116 projects to expand mobile voice and data services in areas with limited or no coverage. The ministry said 99 of these projects had been completed.

The mobile connectivity projects target more than 22,000 mauzas with a combined population of approximately 38.4 million.

Telecommunications coverage has also been extended along 2,514 kilometers of underserved national highways and motorways and to eight tourist destinations.