Universal Service Fund (USF) disbursed a subsidy of Rs4.2 billion during the previous fiscal year for its projects to provide telecom services across the country.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, the fund said that since its establishment this was the highest ever subsidy disbursed in any financial year.
USF was established to spread the benefits of modern telecommunication technology to all corners of the country, especially unserved and under-served areas.
The funds were accumulated through contributions from the cellular companies for spreading telecom and internet services.
The statement said the USF projects embodying the provision of basic telephony and data services, broadband in unserved urban areas, optic fibre to connect un-served districts and e-services were necessary for socio-economic opportunities and playing a beneficial role in improving the lives of people all over the country.
Under its rural telecom programme, USF has been working to provide basic telephony and data services in almost 4,000 muzas, which include areas where people had to walk several kilometres to make a phone call.
Broadband services have been provided in 288 cities and towns along with more than 520,000 broadband connections.
