GOBIND UPBEAT OVER INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
Reduced cost of broadband among goals achieved with MSAP introduction, says Gobind
IT has not exactly been a smooth start for Pakatan Harapan (PH), as the ruling party seeks to make sense of its position in helming the nation after coming into power nearly a year ago.
While public chatter on its administrative ability has since shifted from unwavering confidence over its bold promise to meet a slew of promises within
100 days, one minister has found himself in the enviable trajectory of fulfilling pledges made under PH’s manifesto.
In an interview held in conjunction of the one year anniversary of the PH government, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo exuded a positive outlook of efforts undertaken by his ministry.
This include putting in place broadband connectivity at twice the speed, and at half the price for the general consumer.
“When you have a good Internet connection, everyone can enjoy the benefits of knowledge gleaned from around the world at the touch of your fingertips.
“To achieve this we (the ministry) need to ensure a good Internet connection quality and to have it tested against similar services offered by countries in the region.
“This leads to two arising matters. Firstly, we need to set a reasonable cost to enjoy broadband connectivity. Secondly, we need to ensure the global Internet standard speed is reasonably comparable with our neighbouring countries.”
In June last year, the government had implemented the Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP), which had effectively almost halved a generic 30Mbps Internet plan’s price two months later.
It has since been learnt that service providers Telekom Malaysia Bhd, Celcom Axiata Bhd, Maxis Bhd and Time dotCom Bhd have reduced some of their offerings, at higher speeds, by about 50 per cent.
“After introducing the new price under MSAP, we witnessed a decrease in broadband plan price. In some cases, it’s almost more than half. The average price among the four telcos has been reduced by 49 per cent.”
He said as of now the people would enjoy Internet speed of at least 30Mbps.
“There has yet to be an official minimum speed to be enjoyed by the masses, but unofficially we have fixed it at 30Mbps. This is double the speed from previous offerings. Back then, in certain conditions, we could enjoy only 10Mbps. Now we have 30Mbps, some have 100Mbps, and today we even have Time dotCom which provides a package of 1Gbps,” Gobind said.
Expounding on the need for improved broadband infrastructure and fertile grounds for connectivity to create a deeper Internet penetration rate nationwide, especially in the interiors, Gobind said there were no requirements for additional service providers.
However, he said, a pilot project in Jasin was being carried out to provide connectivity in rural areas under the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan by Tenaga Nasional Bhd.
The national power utility company is providing up to 1Gbps to about 1,100 homes and it is the company’s first venture into the broadband industry.
On locations which suffered from high latency in data communication despite extensive coverage of networks, Gobind said works were ongoing to improve broadband connectivity, but it would take time.
“We are making efforts (including) producing charts on which (area) which has (broadband) connectivity, its provider, complaints about the provider system… We have the data.
“So we are looking into ways to resolve them. We understand (the people’s grouses but) it will take time (for complete restoration).”
Gobind also touched on media freedom, following PH’s victory in the May 9, 2018, polls and the nation’s recent jump up 22 places to 123rd in the latest World Press Freedom Index, which was compiled by Reporters Without Borders.
“Well, never in the country’s history have contesting candidates in an election been provided with the opportunity to take part in a national debate as seen during the Cameron Highlands, Semenyih and Rantau by-elections. But it was not taken up by all of the candidates, especially those from the opposition. But if you want to say otherwise, we actually give you (the opposition) the floor.
“Secondly, the opposition says news coverage favours the ruling party. I have received reports that more focus is actually being placed on the opposition. We have fulfilled our promise to uphold the principle of media freedom in line with existing laws."
Apart from disseminating news and information, Gobind said the media encouraged discussions among the people, who would in turn use the same medium to relay feedback to the government.
“(For example) if a decision has been reached, there will be a discussion about it. This is where the media plays its pertinent role. The media will gather opinions from various quarters and they will highlight the messages to be analysed.
“What is important is for us to listen to all the views conveyed. Often we will disagree and agree. It is imperative for the people to have a channel for such matters.”