The Universal Service Fund (USF) has deployed more than $1 billion in contracted subsidies to expand telecommunications connectivity across Pakistan, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at an international symposium on digital transformation in Islamabad, Khawaja said USF Pakistan had deployed $1.054 billion in contracted subsidies. According to USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed, the fund has completed 158 of its 185 awarded projects, using more than Rs. 169 billion in subsidies and directly benefiting over 38.4 million people.
The three-day symposium, being held from October 13 to 15, is co-hosted by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, USF Pakistan and the Asia Pacific Telecommunity. It brings together government officials, regulators and telecom industry representatives to discuss ways to improve digital inclusion and expand connectivity across the region.
Discussions at the event are focusing on expanding fiber broadband infrastructure, satellite connectivity, affordable smartphones and the use of artificial intelligence in rural areas. Participants are also examining ways to make digital services more accessible to underserved communities.
Asia Pacific Telecommunity Secretary General Dr. Masanori Kondo called for more flexible and results-oriented universal service frameworks to address digital exclusion and improve connectivity.
Other sessions are covering broadband infrastructure, connectivity affordability, disaster resilience, digital inclusion and regional policy recommendations. The discussions aim to identify approaches for expanding access to reliable and affordable telecommunications services.