Forum backs shift to gigabit universal service

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….

Special recognition went to operators and technology partners including Jazz, PTML, Zong, Huawei and GSMA.

Forum backs shift to gigabit universal service Our Correspondent | Updated 14 seconds ago | Members align USF strategies on fibre, satellite and AI readiness.