Cheaper broadband prices following implementation of MSAP, says MCMC

Music from a smartphone can be played through old HiFi speakers using a Bluetooth or WiFi adapter. — dpa

PETALING JAYA: The implementation of the Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP) for broadband packages has resulted in a reduction of more than 30% of broadband prices, says the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

The MCMC said reduction of broadband prices is in line with the government’s effort to provide world-class high-quality services at affordable prices.

Telecommunication companies Telekom Malaysia (TM), Maxis, Celcom and Time have announced new fixed broadband packages following the implementation of MSAP.

MSAP, which came into effect on Jan 1 and implemented on June 8, required telcos to submit access agreements that will result in the reduction in fixed broadband prices to MCMC.

Telcos are now offering entry-level packages that cost below RM100 as well as packages that offer high-speed at lower prices, said MCMC in a statement on Sunday.

Apart from entry-level packages, the companies have also announced plans to more than double the speed at the same price.

“In some cases, such as TM, the speed has increased by 10 times,” said MCMC.

It added that other telcos had announced plans to introduce

higher-speed packages with Time leading the way via the introduction of a Gigabit level package for RM199.

“This is the first time that a Gigabit level speed is made available to a significant segment of the population in Malaysia,” said MCMC.

MCMC added it would continue working with the Communications and Multimedia Ministry to further improve the quality of broadband services in the country.

On Sept 16, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said he wanted to implement cheaper broadband prices with increased speed by the end of the year.

Back in July, he also said that he hoped to see the country achieve a 95% broadband coverage in populated areas by the year 2020.