Providers agree to reduce broadband charges

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek announced today that all major wireless broadband service providers have agreed to reduce broadband charges in light of the newly implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST).
He explained that the ministry has been in talks with the major broadband service providers in the country and they have agreed to reduce their charges by more than 6% with the new rates to be announced next month.
“This is being done to alleviate the concerns of the public with regards to the GST, I have asked the service providers to reduce their charges by more than 6%,” he said.
He also warned that although these service providers are reducing their prices, they must not neglect in providing quality service to the consumers.
“We have to look at two issues; one is providing affordable broadband services to the public. The second issue is providing optimum service for consumers, what good will it do if broadband is cheap but service is slow and the internet (connection) is bad?," he said while speaking to reporters at the launch of the Content Malaysia Pitching Centre at Platinum Sentral here.
He said that service providers need to increase investments in infrastructure development to provide good service to consumers.
“They have to invest in places which have bad communications, like places with no communications towers and fibre optics,” he said.
Shabery also explained that the ministry and the service providers need to find a balance in terms of upgrading their services and reducing their prices.
“We have to find a balance for them to provide optimum service but at affordable prices. On the other hand, if the charges are too cheap, it may deter these providers in providing the best service possible,” he said, adding that there are still things that needed to be discussed with the service providers before he tables this at the National Economic Council next week.
Earlier, Shabery was on hand to launch the Content Malaysia Pitching Centre which was established to encourage and develop new ideas for creative content in the country.
The centre will be a platform for the new generation of content creators to accelerate and express their creativity globally.
Shabery said that the aim of this centre is to put Malaysia on the world map for content creation.