THE right to Internet access, also known as the right to broadband or freedom to connect, is the interpretation that all people must be able to access the Internet.
In July and August 2012, the Internet Society conducted online interviews of more than 10,000 Internet users in 20 countries. In response to the statement “Access to the Internet should be considered a basic human right”, 83 per cent responded that they agreed.
It’s important to increase access to the Internet as it facilitates opportunities for affordable and inclusive education globally or provides other resources for education.
The Asia 2017 Affordability Drivers Index Rankings of all 58 countries, based on an analysis of communication infrastructure and access and affordability indicators, showed that 15 of 17 nations have broadband plans.
Malaysia has been ranked highest in Asia, in a new report on policies for affordable Internet in the world.
However, based on the Oklaa.net Speedtest Global Index in May, Malaysia is ranked 59th with average speed at 26mbps. Singapore was ranked tops with 170mbps, the fastest average speed.
While the government is doing its best to reduce the price and make high-speed Internet affordable, telecommunication companies are not bringing down the price of high-speed Internet.
The minimum price for high-speed fibre broadband is RM119.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) conducted an online survey on the recommended minimum pricing for high-speed Internet.
Based on the survey, the public’s opinion was to cap a minimum package at RM60/10mbps, which will make high-speed Internet affordable to everyone and reduce the digital divide.
A decline in Internet affordability means Malaysians on fixed or low incomes risk missing out on the benefits of digital technologies, falling further behind more connected Malaysians.
But when we measure affordability, we are not only looking at the cost of data but also what proportion of household income is dedicated to this service.
The affordability problem with the Internet is different from other household services that have price pressures, such as electricity and water.
The residential consumption of energy has grown over the last decade and prices have shot up.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo announced that charges of fixed broadband were expected to be reduced by at least 25 per cent by year end.
He said he wanted people to be given every opportunity to participate in and benefit from the digital era.
Fomca would like to propose a minimum package as low as RM60/10mbps as a safety net for those with low income.
SARAVANAN THAMBIRAJAH
Chief operating officer, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations