LONDON: Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Communications and Multimedia commission has said that Malaysia will be moving into a more connected digitally advanced era and become a digital nation.
The minister explained that the move was made to encourage consumers to get into “the digital mainstream” and “participate in the digital and Internet economies.” The initiative will be across both mobile and fixed services and basic broadband packages will cost significantly lower. He added that the price reduction works out to be approximately 14% lower than current prices.
“This is very encouraging for consumers and I thank the communications providers for coming up with this value-for -money packages,” added Shabery. He added that the MCMC and the Ministry are also mindful of the quality of the service provided 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,” he said.
Meanwhile major industry players have also expressed their support for the initiative.
For fixed services, Telekom Malaysia (TM) will soon be offering prices that are 57% lower than the current price at RM88 for the basic package. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, TM group chief executive officer said the company applauds the government’s move to drive broadband adoption via more affordable broadband packages.
He added that the move was in line with the brands’ aspiration to “deliver an integrated digital lifestyle with an enhanced and seamless customer experience beyond technology, products and services and devices.”
Celcom Axiata CEO, Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly echoed his support for the minister to get the nation 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,” said Shazalli.
“As the world goes digital, it is critical for every Malaysian to have equal opportunity to access the internet. We recognise 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. He added that broadband is not just accessed through PC and postpaid smartphones, but also through prepaid solutions. U Mobile CEO, Wong Heang Tuck also added that U Mobile sentiments are in line with the Ministry’s and MCMC’s direction and this move will eventually benefit the nation in the long run.
