NEWS
MINISTER OF STATE FOR IT AND TELECOM CHAIRED THE 64TH BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MEETING OF USF CO
24th June, 2019
Universal Service Fund Company (USF Co) 64th Board of Directors Meeting was convened on Monday June 24th, 2019 in the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, Islamabad.
The Chairperson, Board of Directors, USF Co and the Federal Minister for IT & Telecom; Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui chaired the meeting in which an overview of the prime efforts and development of telecommunication services in un-served and under-served areas across Pakistan by USF Co. were highlighted and deliberated upon. Discussions took place with primary emphasis on the upcoming New Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development (NG-BSD) Hyderabad project and the Annual Budget of USF Co. for FY 2019-20.
The Board of Directors in this meeting approved the Contract Signing of the project ‘NG-BSD Hyderabad’ which encompasses districts of Matiari, Hyderabad, Tando Allah Yar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Badin and Sujawal. The project benefits a total unserved population of approximately 2,634,658 covering 964 mauzas and an area of 17,303 Sq. km.
In addition, members of the Board conferred the approval of total budget for FY 2019-20 amounting to PKR 9, 517, 674, 956/- for the provision of Broadband services in areas such as Dadu, Hyderabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, MirPur Khas, DG Khan, Kurram Orakzai, South Waziristan and National Highway & Motorway Lots. The disbursement of Budget for FY 2019-20 approved is in line with the vision of Federal Government.
The Federal Minister, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui along with other Board Members laid stress upon timely completion of all projects so the masses of the rural areas can reap the benefits. Furthermore, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that ICT infrastructure is a key driver of socioeconomic development, and any improvement will open up a world of possibilities for development practitioners to offer development solutions in sectors like education, agriculture, security, healthcare and finance. The Federal Minister and the Board Members also appreciated the overall performance and consistent hard work put in by USF Co.