We can’t deny that the Internet has become one of the essentials of daily living in this day and age. People freak out when the Wi-Fi connection is lost, or they immediately make a call to their hand phone service provider when they can’t connect to their data.
Since being connected to the Internet has become so important for everyone, the Communications and Multimedia Ministry is currently in the process of proposing that Internet connectivity be listed as a utility. This means that it will be deemed as important as water and power supply. Isn’t that great news?
According to The Star, Gobind Singh Deo, the minister in charge of the department, said that this was part of their plans to expand Internet connectivity to all parts of Malaysia.
“I am in the process of proposing to the government that we can create a policy for Internet connectivity to become a utility, meaning it will be given the same emphasis as water and electricity,” he said
“We must accept the fact that the world will progress with the help of the Internet. That’s why the government is taking proactive steps in ensuring Internet access is available to all Malaysians, regardless of where they are.”
In the proposal, he also suggested that residential and commercial buildings in new projects be equipped with Internet access. This was discussed with Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Furthermore, the ministry is also trying to lower Internet service charges so that Malaysians can enjoy global-standard Internet speeds. Gobind mentioned that there is no official Internet speed in Malaysia to indicate an efficient Internet infrastructure, but added that the speed was 30mbps “unofficially”.
“So, when we introduce new prices under the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP), we’ll see the broadband price reducing,” he said.
“Prices have gone down in some cases, almost more than half. But on average among the four telcos, it has come down almost by 50%.”
One of NFCP’s main goals is to achieve a baseline of 98% broadband coverage in populated areas by 2023, with a broadband speed of at least 30mbps in order for 5G to be effectively implemented nationwide.
Gobind said Internet connectivity was part of his main focus to ensure that the infrastructure was enjoyed and fully utilised.
Yay, thank you Gobind Singh! We can’t wait for faster and better Internet speeds. How do you feel about this new effort? Let us know in the comments below.
