Penang aims to become gigabit city

Penang aims to be the first state in Malaysia to become a gigabit city that offers high speed internet and more reliable broadband connection to businesses and local services.

Penang Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Commi ee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the state government was ready to work with all the telecommunications companies to set up their infrastructure in order to realise the dream of gigabit city.

"Most of the telecommunications companies face problems with the authorities in se ing-up their telecommunications infrastructure.

"So today, we have the Penang Connectivity Master Plan with seven telecommunications companies to spearhead the development of telecommunications infrastructure in Penang in line with the Penang 2030 vision of a family-friendly, green and smart state to inspire the nation," he told reporters here yesterday.

He added that the state also needed to get ready within the next two years with the proper infrastructure to welcome the 5G network.

Earlier, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow chaired the first meeting of the Penang Connectivity Master Plan with all seven chief executive officers of the telecommunications companies as well as chairman of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Al Ishsal Ishak, at Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) here.

Zairil said according to MCMC, Penang had achieved 100 percent penetration in 3G network coverage and 97.7 percent in 4G LTE which put Penang above the national average of 81.6 percent and 79.6 percent respectively.

"In terms of broadband coverage and average download speed, Penang is one of the highest in the country but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and in order to realise our ambitions, we need the cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders including MCMC and the seven telecommunication providers," he said.

He said the Master Plan aims to fulfill the demands of the public and industry, address the challenges faced by the telecommunications companies in infrastructure rollout and also optimise and improve state policies and governance in order to facilitate the efficient development of Penang's digital needs. – Bernama