The government has decided to review the need and modalities of Universal Service Fund's (USF) intervention in the smart phone handset market place, besides identifying hurdles and impediments hampering the digital services in Pakistan, it is learnt.
Official sources revealed to Business Recorder that the government has decided to determine the need and feasibility of USF subsidy programme for the smart phone handset that whether such subsidy should be given direct to operator or in the form of an assembling subsidy to the local industry.
As per the plan, a comprehensive study of existing digital landscape in Pakistan and globally that promises innovative and cost-effective delivery of advanced digital services to rural un-served/underserved population of Pakistan would be carried out. The information and communication technologies (ICTs) are considered utmost essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SGD). The three pillars of sustainable development-economic development, social inclusion and environmental protection-require ICT and telecom as a catalyst.
The sources said that digital services play a key role in adoption of ICT services. The ICT with enabling digital platforms deliver social and economic benefits to the masses thus break the poverty cycle and eliminate social divide. The digital platforms facilitate communities, businesses and governments to achieve economic and social growth. To realise these benefits, the governments around the world are implementing comprehensive nationwide plans and highly focused broadband programmes and projects coupled with strategies that ensure availability and affordability of digital platforms and services.
The USF has invited international and national consulting firms/companies for submission of proposals for consulting services to conduct a study for digital inclusion in Pakistan.
The firm should have experience to conduct a comprehensive study for digital inclusion in remote and rural areas on adoption of digital services including e-services such as e-commerce, e-finance, e-health, e-learning, and e-agriculture etc.
The USF has decided to hire the services of an experienced and competent consulting firm to: a) conduct a study of digital initiatives and strategies that can enhance digital inclusion of urban, semi-urban and rural areas; b) recommend digital platforms and solutions that are globally proven in helping the underprivileged populations adopt a digital lifestyle with a known impact on socio-economic indicators; c) propose digital initiatives and services that are sustainable, suitable for Pakistan and help bridge the digital divide; d) review the need and modalities of a USF intervention in the smart handset market place. For the purpose of this consultancy, the focus areas are urban, semi-urban and rural areas of Pakistan.