1Malaysia broadband package for as low as RM20

The 1Malaysia Broadband Affordable Package, which can be subscribed for as low as RM20 per month, will be made available in Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang from Sept 16.

Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim said the package was being introduced as the five states had yet to reach the national broadband penetration rate of 64 per cent.

"We hope the subscription price is given in accordance with the quality, voice clarity and other aspects contained in the telecommunication company's client's charter," he told reporters after the launch of the package in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said if the package received a favourable response, it would also be introduced to other states.

The 1Malaysia Broadband Affordable Package offered for as low as RM20 per month for wireless network and as low as RM38 per month for wired network, is a part of the government's initiatives to close the digital gap among the people in the country. 

The wireless network provides a minimum speed rate of 512kbps with 1GB capacity, while the wired network provides a minimum rate of 384kbps with unlimited capacity.

In his speech earlier, Rais also called on all telecommunication companies in the country to improve their broadband services, especially in the states that had yet to reach the national broadband penetration rate.

Meanwhile, Celcom Axiata Bhd chief executive officer Shazalli Ramly said the cooperation between the company and the government was not only fostered in support of the ministry's mission, but also as a part of the company's corporate social responsibility to meet the demands of the people.

"The collaboration and cooperation that we have together with the ministry and the MCMC (Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission) have proved that this industry, is one of the most robust, and yet most progressive, among other industries in Malaysia," he added. 

- Bernama