Fixed broadband penetration can help boost GDP, says Gobind

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo says fixed broadband penetration across the country will help bolster the gross domestic product (GDP) for developed and developing countries.

“A 10% increase in fixed broadband penetration will increase GDP by 1.21% percent in developed economies and 1.38% in developing economies,” he said in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the GSMA Mobile 360 conference here today.

He said he aims to achieve this by ensuring internet connectivity for everyone at all times through implementation of the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP).

Under the NFCP, the ministry aims to ensure affordable internet rates and to double the speed for fibre while slashing prices by half.

“The RM21.6 billion plan under NFCP aims to transform Malaysia into a fibre nation in a period of five years starting this year, including for those in the outskirts,” Gobind said. - FMT