Malaysian delegation visits Pakistan to explore digital advancement

ISLAMABAD: A Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) delegation and tech leaders started a visit to Pakistan on Wednesday to observe its digital progress and participated in a joint seminar focused on 5G regulatory frameworks, innovation, competition, and connectivity challenges.

The Malaysian delegation visited the Universal Service Fund (USF). The CEO USF Ch. Mudassar said that the USF has initiated 161 groundbreaking Access, Broadband and OFC projects, unlocking Rs 136 billion in subsidies. These efforts have led to the installation of over 4,000 telecom sites and 21,500 previously un-served MAUZAS have been empowered with high-speed mobile broadband, making a tangible impact on the lives of over 37 million people.

Furthermore, the USF has also laid over 16500 km of Optical Fiber Cable across the country, bridging the digital divide for more than 950 towns and union councils, connecting people to a world of opportunities, and laying the foundation for a brighter digital future. This achievement is a testament to USF’s commitment to digitising Pakistan and promoting digital inclusivity.

While discussing the USP Fund in Malaysia, Mr Wan Khairil Reza Bin Wan Kamaludin, Head of Universal Service Provision (USP), highlighted that USP has been instrumental in providing internet access to rural areas, with 1099 internet centres and 1661 4G towers installed to date. The USP fund has also supported telecommunications infrastructure development, including constructing new communication towers and upgrading existing ones. Additionally, the MCMC delegation briefed on key initiatives driving 5G deployment in Malaysia, focusing on overcoming infrastructure challenges, optimising costs, and promoting digital inclusion. They emphasised the role of public-private partnerships in ensuring 5G accessibility and supporting Malaysia’s digital transformation.