MCMC denies slow broadband speed in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA:  Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) denied that the broadband speed in Malaysia was slow, saying that the result of researches on broadband speed differs when different methodologies were used.

A recent survey by a global broadband testing and web-based network diagnostic applications company that compares the download, upload and line quality of broadband connections, Ookla, showed that the average broadband speed in Malaysia is slower than that of Vietnam and Cambodia and barely ahead of Myanmar.

MCMC Chairman, Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi (pic) said that different methodologies did indeed yield differing results.

“In fact, if you see Ookla’s own test results, the average broadband speed in Kuala Lumpur is 6.92Mbps and even Pantai shows an average speed as high as 21.84Mbps.

“It all depends on where the tests are coming from and how many cities were calculated,” he said.

Sharil added that Malaysia had a vibrant Internet Service Provider market with some providers offering higher speed than others.

“Consequently, when a speed test is done, the results are averaged out,” he added.

Sharil also said that MCMC recognised the need to upgrade broadband speed and quality and have been working towards that since 2010 through various initiatives.

“Our broadband roll-out plan focuses on the whole nation and not just cities like other countries, so that each citizen will be able to enjoy the connectivity,” he said.

He added that MCMC is realised that much more needs to be done and will continue to work with industry players to improve broadband quality and speed, as well as expand