Islamabad, Pakistan – A concerning report has surfaced revealing that Pakistani Long Distance International (LDI) operators owe a staggering 76 billion rupees to the Universal Service Fund (USF). This government fund, designed to ensure nationwide access to telecommunication services, is facing a significant financial challenge due to these unpaid dues.
The report, which details outstanding amounts and late payment charges as of July 1st, 2024, shows that several major operators have failed to meet their financial obligations. This situation raises concerns about the USF’s ability to continue its mission of expanding telecommunication services to underserved areas of Pakistan.
Here’s a breakdown of the top defaulters:
* Worldcall: 7.98 billion rupees
* Redtone: 4.11 billion rupees
* ACLD: 3.87 billion rupees
* Telenor: 3.74 billion rupees
* Deodara: 2.57 billion rupees
* Wateen: 7.73 billion rupees
* Callmate: 3.85 billion rupees
* Witribe: 2.05 billion rupees
* 4Gen: 6.23 billion rupees
* Multinet: 4.45 billion rupees
Adding to the complexity of the situation, many of these operators are approaching their license expiry dates, as outlined in the report. This raises further questions about the recoverability of the outstanding dues.
Industry experts are urging the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take immediate and decisive action to address this issue. Recovering these substantial dues is crucial for ensuring the financial health and continued operation of the USF, which plays a vital role in bridging the digital divide in Pakistan.
The PTA has yet to issue a statement regarding the report or outline any planned measures to recover the outstanding funds.
