To ensure digital equality in rural areas, Lin Yi-jing, Minister of Digital Affairs, along with members of the Universal Service Fund Administration Commission and telecommunications operators, visited Liuqiu Township in Pingtung County on the 23rd to learn about the implementation results of local telephone and broadband internet access services, and to inspect the construction of microwave and subsea cables and the status of communication backup. During the visit, the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) also exchanged views with Legislator Hsu Fu-kuei of the Legislative Yuan on the current status of communication network construction in Pingtung County and local demands, so that communication construction in remote areas can be more in line with actual needs.

Minister Lin noted that to enable residents of Liuqiu Township and all remote rural areas in Pingtung County to enjoy a convenient digital life, MODA continues to provide stable broadband internet services through the telecommunications universal service mechanism. At the same time, in response to the potential communication disruption risks in remote and outlying island areas, MODA steadily strengthens communication backup mechanisms to enhance overall communication resilience.

Regarding the resilience of communications in Liuqiu Township, Minister Lin pointed out that there are currently two domestic subsea cables providing communication services to the island, with a transmission capacity of 20 times that of peak communication traffic. In addition, MODA has been providing subsidies to help telecommunications operators build microwave backup links. Currently, the microwave transmission capacity of Liuqiu Township has reached 95% of the normal communication traffic, which can provide an alternative communication path when the subsea cables are damaged. The dual links of subsea cables and microwave transmission are effective in ensuring that communication services on the island remain uninterrupted.

MODA explained that 12 townships and cities in Pingtung County are located in remote areas. Due to the influence of the geographical environment and population, the construction and maintenance costs of communication networks are relatively high. To ensure that people in remote areas can also access basic and necessary communication services, MODA continues to use the Universal Service Fund to subsidize telecommunications operators. Currently, it provides telephone service to 16,000 households and broadband internet service to 8,500 households in remote areas of Pingtung County, while maintaining the operation of 296 public telephones.

In terms of digital equality in education, the Universal Service Fund also subsidizes telecommunications operators to provide services at preferential rates, helping 55 rural primary and secondary schools in Pingtung County build a good broadband internet environment, so that schools are places not only for learning, but also for accessing digital technology and exploring the world, creating more diverse and richer digital learning opportunities.

In addition, through the Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program for 2023–2025, MODA consistently strengthened the mobile communication network and disaster response capabilities in Pingtung County, and subsidized telecommunications operators to complete the construction of 303 5G base stations as part of the ongoing effort to improve 5G network coverage. In addition, 12 base stations with high disaster resistance capabilities were built or optimized, 1 satellite mobile base station vehicle was optimized, and 3 pairs of microwave systems were newly built to enhance overall communication backup and response capabilities.

MODA stated that in addition to internet access, communication infrastructure in rural areas must also ensure uninterrupted service during disasters. In the future, MODA will continue to work with local governments and telecommunications operators through the Universal Service Fund and related subsidy programs to improve communication infrastructure and backup mechanisms in rural areas, so that people in different regions can enjoy stable communication and digital services.