Lower broadband rates in two months

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian telecommunications companies have agreed to lower broadband Internet rates, following discussions with the Government.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek (pic) said the new charges would see a reduction of between 10% and 57% from the existing rates.

“It will now cost just RM25 a month for a basic mobile broadband package with a data cap of 1GB, running on 3G-HSPA network,” said Ahmad Shabery on Wednesday.

The basic tariff of RM25 for 1GB will be offered by all service providers.

Fixed line broadband packages, meanwhile, will start at RM38 a month for 1Mbps speed.

The new rates are expected to take effect “in a month or two”, Ahmad Shabery said.

“Affordable Internet rates will allow more people in the country to have access to the Internet in our efforts to become a digital nation.

“Good Internet service and cheap rates will also make the country attractive to foreign investors and it will also help spur the economy as well as enhance the lives of the people,” he said.

He added that the telco industry should also increase investments to expand their infrastructure in order to improve the quality of internet services.

“Price is just one aspect, quality of service must also be provided,” he said.