Forum backs shift to gigabit universal service

Members align USF strategies on fibre, satellite and AI readiness Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Symposium on Digital Transformation and Universal Service Fund (USF) The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Symposium on Digital Transformation and the Universal Service Fund (USF) concluded in Islamabad with member states aligning on a collective roadmap to move universal service funds from traditional voice and basic coverage models towards agile, outcome-oriented frameworks supporting high-speed fibre, gigabit broadband and resilient digital ecosystems, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) on Thursday. The three-day forum was co-hosted by the ministry and USF Pakistan, bringing together policymakers, regulators and telecom industry leaders from across the region. APT Secretary-General Masanori Kondo announced the conclusion, describing the symposium as a platform for practical exchanges, partnerships and advancing the Tokyo Statement 2025 commitments. Speakers and experts engaged across 10 sessions on future-proofing universal service funds, shifting from simple infrastructure access to quality, capability and AI readiness. Discussions covered low-cost fibre backhaul, mobile broadband, satellite connectivity and green telecom infrastructure to scale deployment in underserved and rugged terrains. The forum examined regulatory incentives, device subsidy programmes and financial mechanisms to improve affordability and sustainable financing, making connectivity accessible to low-income households, small enterprises and marginalised communities. Sessions covered targeted policy interventions, digital literacy programmes for women and girls and digital entrepreneurship support to close the gender digital divide. Stakeholders also stressed empowering local content and ecosystems through culturally appropriate, language-specific digital services and e-government platforms to stimulate local economies and drive digital adoption. Delegates also deliberated on harnessing emerging technologies, bridging persistent digital divides and driving equitable digital transformation across member states, reviewing regional digital progress under the Tokyo Statement 2025 and aligning regional strategies. In his closing remarks, USF Pakistan Chief Executive Officer Chaudhary Mudassar Naveed thanked APT for partnering with Pakistan and recognised the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), session chairs, panellists and international delegates. Special recognition went to operators and technology partners including Jazz, PTML, Zong, Huawei and GSMA.