Most consumers dissatisfied with internet speed pledged by telcos

 

Most internet users are not satisfied with the quality of internet speed promised by telecommunications companies, according to a finding by the Communications and Multimedia Consumer Forum of Malaysia (CFM).

CFM chairperson Mohana Mohariff said the finding is based on a poll gathered from 209 respondents nationwide during the movement control order (MCO).

She said the poll found that most respondents have more than one issue, which included the quality of indoor network coverage and no significant improvements to complaints lodged.

“We conducted this poll during the recent MCO, when everyone was highly dependent on internet connectivity to work from home and to stay connected.

"This issue should not happen as telcos have promised to provide the service as subscribed and they should be more proactive in improving their services,” she said in a statement.

Based on the finding, the most issues plaguing the consumers are that the internet speed is not as promised by the service provider; there was no signal at home and the users needed to go outdoors for connectivity. Despite the users lodging complaints with the telcos, there were still no changes, nor action taken.

The other issue is "no telecommunication tower in the area, need to go to town to get network coverage".

Mohana said CFM is currently in the midst of tightening up the provisions of the General Consumer Code (GCC) to ensure consumer rights are protected.

"CFM has been working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on this and is currently in the process of tightening up the provisions of the GCC to ensure that consumer rights are protected.

"Some of the topics that will be reviewed in the GCC are the service contractual terms and conditions, to provide a critical information summary, and more attention to consumers with special needs," Mohana added.

In June, poor internet connection and infrastructure have been the subject of debate among many people after a Sabahan student, Veveonah Mosibin (above), posted a YouTube video of herself climbing a tree to obtain an internet connection for an online examination.

It sparked another controversy when Communications and Multimedia Deputy Minister Zahidi Zainul Abidin claimed that Veveonah lied. He had then apologised for the wrong accusation. - Mkini