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ISLAMABAD: In a significant acknowledgment of Pakistan’s digital progress, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has praised the Universal Service Fund (USF) of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) for its remarkable efforts in reducing the digital divide between urban and rural areas. CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed highlighted USF’s pivotal role in empowering rural communities through 161 Access, Broadband, and Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) projects, securing PKR 136 billion in subsidies and positively impacting over 37 million people.
Malaysia’s Universal Service Provision (USP) initiative shares a similar vision with Pakistan’s USF, aiming to extend digital connectivity to underserved communities. In support of this mission, the Malaysian government has allocated RM2.55 billion in Budget 2025 to enhance telecommunications infrastructure and promote the creative industry.
A high-level delegation from MCMC, along with representatives from leading tech firms, visited the USF headquarters in Islamabad. The delegation included Ms. Malini Ramalingam, Head of MCMC Academy; Mr. Wan Khairil Reza Bin Wan Kamaludin, Head of Universal Service Provision (USP); Prof. Emeritus Dr. Tarek Bin Abd Rehman, Advisor to MCMC Academy; Ms. Dg Aidah Binti Ag Piut, Director of Industry Development (MCMC); Mr. Khairol Idzuan Bin Che Umar, Head of Radio Spectrum; and Mr. David Ake Nils. Representatives from PTA, MCMC, VIASAT, TM, PETRONAS, Ericsson Malaysia, and ZTE Corporation also participated, while senior USF officials were present at the event.
Strengthening Digital Connectivity in Pakistan
USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed emphasized the organization’s role in bridging the digital divide by providing mobile broadband services to unserved and underserved areas. He noted that telecom service providers often focus on commercially viable regions, leaving rural communities disconnected. This digital gap, if unaddressed, can have significant social and economic repercussions. USF is actively working to bridge this divide and promote digital inclusivity nationwide.
Highlighting USF’s achievements, Ch. Mudassar Naveed detailed the organization’s initiatives aligned with the Prime Minister’s Digital Pakistan Vision. With the unwavering support of the Minister for IT & Telecom, USF has launched 161 groundbreaking projects, unlocking PKR 136 billion in subsidies. These efforts have resulted in the installation of over 4,000 telecom sites, enabling high-speed mobile broadband access to 21,500 previously unserved Mauzas, positively affecting over 37 million lives.
Additionally, USF has laid over 16,500 km of optical fiber cable across the country, bridging the digital divide for more than 950 towns and union councils. This extensive connectivity is paving the way for a digitally inclusive future, providing rural populations with unprecedented opportunities in education, healthcare, and business.
Malaysia’s USP Fund and 5G Deployment
During discussions, Mr. Wan Khairil Reza Bin Wan Kamaludin, Head of Universal Service Provision (USP) Malaysia, highlighted USP’s role in expanding internet access to rural areas. To date, the initiative has facilitated the establishment of 1,099 internet centers and 1,661 4G towers. The USP fund has also supported the development of telecommunications infrastructure, including the construction of new communication towers and the upgrading of existing ones.
The MCMC delegation shared key insights on Malaysia’s 5G deployment strategy, focusing on overcoming infrastructure challenges, cost optimization, and enhancing digital inclusion. They emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in ensuring 5G accessibility and accelerating Malaysia’s digital transformation.
The Malaysian delegation is on a six-day visit to Pakistan and participated in a four-day seminar titled Regulatory Masterclass 5G and Beyond: Shaping the Future of Connectivity. Organized by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with MCMC, the seminar explored the challenges of developing flexible and effective regulatory frameworks for 5G deployment. Discussions focused on fostering innovation, enhancing competition, and ensuring seamless connectivity in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and expand broadband access are receiving global recognition. With strategic collaborations and investments in telecommunications infrastructure, the country is steadily progressing toward a more connected and digitally inclusive future.
