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|  |
 |
| Formation | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Islamabad |
| Location |
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| Website | https://www.usf.org.pk/ |
The Universal Service Fund (USF) is a Pakistani governmental organization, established to provide access to telecommunication services in under-served and un-served areas.[1] The USF is responsible for implementing policies and programs to promote universal access to affordable and high-quality telecommunications services.[2]
History
editThe USF was established in Pakistan in 2006,[1] as a part of the Telecom Policy 2004.[3] The policy aimed to provide telecommunication services to all regions of the country, including remote and under-developed areas. The USF was created as a funding mechanism to achieve this goal by providing financial assistance to telecommunication companies to build infrastructure and provide services in these areas. The USF Fund can consist of grants made by the Federal Government and the Provincial Governments; prescribed contribution by licensees; loans obtained from the Federal Government; and grants and endowments received from other agencies.[4] Currently, USF is funded through a universal service fee, which is a percentage of the revenue earned by telecommunication companies.[1]
Objectives
editThe USF has the following objectives:[5]
- To promote the development and provision of telecommunication services in un-served and under-served areas of Pakistan.[6]
- To make telecommunication operators focus on the rural population and increase the level of telecommunication penetration significantly in rural areas through effective and fair utilization of the USF; [5]
- To improve broadband penetration in the country [5]
- To improve e-services, both in rural and urban areas of the country; and, [5]
- To bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.[7]
Operations
editThe USF is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. The organization is managed by an independent board of directors, which includes representatives from the government, telecommunication companies, and civil society organizations.[6] The board is responsible for developing policies and programs to achieve the objectives of the USF.[8]
The USF provides subsidies to telecommunication companies to establish telecommunication infrastructure and provide services in under-served and un-served areas of Pakistan. The USF has completed numerous projects in different parts of the country to provide telecommunication services to these areas. In 2021, the USF successfully completed the project Lot ID: NG-BSD/NH&MW/Lot-1, focusing on expanding telecom infrastructure along the Makran Coastal Highway. This initiative later on paved the way for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)’s National Roaming (launched in 2024), ensuring travelers stay connected across networks. With seamless coverage, tourism on this scenic route is now safer and more accessible, bringing peace of mind to every journey. The USF projects include the establishment of telecommunication infrastructure such as towers, optic fiber cables, and other related equipment.[6]
Impact
editThe USF has had a significant transformative impact on the development of telecommunication services in under-served and un-served areas of Pakistan.[9] The initiatives have played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, particularly through the provision of 3G and 4G services, thus facilitating greater access to information and communication technologies (ICT). The USF's projects have not only improved connectivity but also promoted socio-economic development in remote areas. [10]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Universal Service Fund Rules, 2006" (PDF). MOITT.
- ^ "Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996 (Act No. XVII of 1996)" (PDF). PTA.
- ^ "Mobile Cellular Policy" (PDF). PTA. 28 January 2004.[dead link]
- ^ "Senate Secretariat: "Questions for Oral Answers and Their Replies"" (PDF). 23 January 2013.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)[dead link] - ^ a b c d "Pakistan's Universal Service Fund". digitalregulation.org. Retrieved 2023-04-10.
- ^ a b c "Universal Service Fund Rules, 2006 (Amendments incorporated till 30th June, 2021)" (PDF).
- ^ "Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunications". moitt.gov.pk. Retrieved 2023-04-10.[dead link]
- ^ "Universal Service Fund Rules Amended on SECP Demand". propakistani.pk. 7 March 2023.
- ^ Attaa, Aamir (28 September 2009). "USF Made it Happen: 1 MB DSL for Rs. 299". propakistani.pk.
- ^ "USF Invested Rs. 79 Billion in Rural Telecom Expansion in Last Five Years". Pro Pakistani.