KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel will soon enjoy high-speed fibre optic internet for as low as RM49 under the Defence Ministry's Jendela Broadband Soldier Initiative.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that RM99 million has been allocated to upgrade broadband infrastructure at 73 armed forces bases and camps, starting later this year.
He said the initiative aims to provide military personnel with affordable, quality internet to improve their quality of life.
"We've introduced a 100mbps broadband package for RM49, with a special RM39 rate for the first six months," Khaled said.
"We are grateful to the Communications Ministry for allocating RM99 million for this programme," he said at a press conference after launching the 'Broadband Soldier Initiative' and signing of a memorandum of understanding between the MAF and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The programme, supported by the Communications Ministry, is expected to benefit 55,000 homes.
Also present were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and MAF chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman.
Fahmi said that this initiative is part of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), with further improvements planned for military offices and Wi-Fi services.
"We are confident that we can provide connectivity to 55,000 MAF homes, and I have requested that the MCMC offer the special price of RM39 for six months.
"This is the first phase, and we will next review the infrastructure in military offices and departments, especially concerning external networks and Wi-Fi services," he said.
Fahmi also assured that the MCMC will collaborate with MAF's Cyber and Electromagnetic Division (BSEP) to ensure secure internet services for the military.