Telcos ready to let subscribers switch to new packages

PUTRAJAYA: Telecommunication companies are ready to allow subscribers who wish to enjoy faster broadband service at a lower price to switch to the new packages, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said.

MCMC said yesterday telcos had voiced their commitment to support the government’s effort to offer highspeed broadband service at a reasonable price.

“The new package offered by TIME, for example, will automatically be enjoyed by its existing subscribers. Maxis and Telekom Malaysia have plans to upgrade their Asymetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) to fibre optics, while Celcom is set to expand the coverage for its fixed broadband service next year with the cooperation from other telcos and alternative technology.

“This means subscribers will have the option to either enjoy lower rate, better Internet speed at the same price, or both,” MCMC said.

The commission said it had discussed with telcos to find solutions to problems raised by subscribers.

These included the issue of Streamyx service and the dissatisfaction of subscribers who did not benefit from the price reduction and the new packages, the statement said.

“MCMC will monitor the action taken by telcos to ensure that they remain committed to providing high-speed broadband according to the terms and conditions of the subscribed packages.”

TM, Maxis, TIME and Celcom announced the price reduction of up to 56 per cent for their fixed broadband services.

However, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo, after scrutinising the new packages, found that the subscription rates of existing subscribers had not been reduced.

Subscribers will have the option to either enjoy lower rate, better Internet speed at the same price, or both. MALAYSIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MULTIMEDIA COMMISSION