PUTRAJAYA: The price of basic broadband packages will be reduced between 10 percent and 57 percent, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said today.
Mobile broadband packages will be offered at RM25 for consumers who subscribe for a monthly data cap of 1GB and 3G-HSPA for both prepaid and postpaid services.
"For fixed services, Telekom Malaysia (TM) will be offering basic broadband at RM38 a month for 1Mbps of free data usage up to 1GB.
"Discussion with telecommunications companies on the proposal for the reduction was held in February to make broadband access available for the people.
"The new mobile basic broadband packages will be available in a month’s time while the fixed package by TM is expected to be available from mid June as it needs some adjustment period," he said.
Ahmad Shabery added that making broadband more affordable for both mobile and fixed users was essential as Malaysia moves towards a digital nation.
Meanwhile, Bernama reports that Shabery thanked the communications providers for coming up with these value-for-money packages.
“It is important that all groups are able to get into the digital mainstream and participate in the digital and Internet economies,” added Shabery.
Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, TM Group chief executive officer applauded the Government’s move to drive broadband adoption via more affordable broadband packages.
“As Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, we remain committed in our role to provide broadband Internet access to all Malaysians. We already have the most comprehensive range of affordable packages to all customer segments nationwide, and continue to look for ongoing opportunities to offer more value-added offerings. This is in line with our aspiration to deliver an integrated digital lifestyle with an enhanced and seamless customer experience beyond technology, products and services and devices.”
“TIME is pleased to support this initiative and will be offering a similar RM38 package for fixed broadband,” said TIME dotCOM CEO, Afzal Abdul Rahim.
Celcom Axiata CEO, Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly echoed his support for the Minister to get the rakyat more connected.
“We heed the Minister’s call to reduce broadband service charges to encourage greater Internet usage among the public. Celcom is committed towards championing the rakyat’s needs to gain access to the latest technology and ensuring that everyone is connected to affordable broadband and fast Internet speeds. Moving along, our customers can look forward to new packages at reasonable prices in the coming weeks and continue to enjoy the best customer experience that Celcom has to offer,” said Shazalli.
“As the world goes digital, it is critical for every Malaysian to have equal opportunity to access the internet,” said Digi CEO, Albern Murty. “We recognize the need for the right entry level plans to accelerate adoption among Malaysians from all walks of life. Digi therefore supports the Minister’s call for easier access to Internet services, and is committed to fast track delivery of our ‘Internet For All’ promise which is rooted on the same principle of affordable access for broadband and mobile Internet services.”
Meanwhile, Maxis CEO, Morten Lundal also added another dimension. “We recognise that broadband isn’t just accessed through PC and postpaid smartphones, but also through prepaid solutions. We are happy to support the Ministry to make broadband products more affordable,” said Morten.
U Mobile CEO, Wong Heang Tuck also commented that U Mobile sentiments are in line with the Ministry’s and MCMC’s direction. “The company recognises the need to help bridge the digital divide and provide greater connectivity and Internet access to the rakyat at affordable rates, as it will benefit the nation in the long run,” said Wong.
When asked about plans to improve the quality of services, Shabery said that the MCMC and the Ministry are very mindful about this. Quality of service is critical as the country moves towards a transaction-based economy and more people are transacting with Government and businesses online. He added that there must be consistent and sufficient investment in order to improve the quality of services.
“The global average for capital intensity is almost 16%. Last year, the industry achieved just over 14% capital intensity, which is encouraging, and they have been very positive about investing more in order to achieve or even surpass the global average in a few years’ time,” said the Minister.