USF (Universal Service Fund) recently approved a new project for laying of Optic Fiber Cable in KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.) This Project was approved during a board meeting held in Islamabad today.According to details this new Optic Fiber which is called the OFC KPK. It will stretch across 145 kilometers and will connect 29 Tehsils and 19 towns with a population of millions of people.

OFC KPK Programme is extended over several phases and a total of 830 Kilometers of optic fiber will be laid throughout the province.

A special project namely “Broadband” for Low income women was also approved. Under the project a maximum of 30,000 smartphones will be distributed among women beneficiaries of BISP in eight districts of Baluchistan.

The USF Board of Directors in the meeting took in to consideration three important broadband for sustainable development projects.

Broadband for Sustainable Development Project Kharan-WashukLotwas awarded to PTCL (Pak Telecom Mobile Limited). This Project will benefit an un-served population of about 222,000, covering 289 unserved Mauzas and an unserved area of 35,100 sq. kms.

Another Broadband for sustainable development project encompassing DeraBugti Lot was also awarded to PTCL. This Project will serve an un-served population of about 333,100, covering 396 unserved Mauzas and an unserved area of 16,500 sq. kms.

The Board also agreed to to commence the establishment of computer labs and delivering skills development training in all girls’ schools of the ICT region under “ICT for Girls initiative”.

Under the project which is titled Establishment of Computer Labs in Government Girls Schools in Rural Areas of Islamabad Capital Territory, 138 girls schools of ICT will be digitalized under this programme and approximately 110,000 girls will be trained with the IT skills.

Other administrative and corporate matters of USF Co were also taken in to consideration by the Board of Directors. The Board members included the Secretary IT; Mr. Rizwan Bashir Khan, Member Telecom; Mr. Mudassar Hussain, Chairman PTA; Dr. Ismail Shah, Mr. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz, President and CEO PTCL, Mr. Daniel Ritz and the senior management of USF.