MALAYSIA can be adequately equipped with broadband facilities and services by 2007, according to Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) industry development division head Bistaman Sira Abdul Rahman.
“This is an achievable goal within the next three years.
“Network facilities providers and major telecommunication companies in the country need to invest about RM5bil to equip Malaysia adequately with broadband facilities and services by 2007,” he said.
Bistamam was speaking to StarBiz on the sidelines of the Opportunities in The Electronics Industry seminar on Wednesday.
“Since 2002, on top of the five major telecommunication companies, we have given out new licences to six medium and large local companies to operate as network facilities provider to expand broadband services to residential and commercial premises, and help transform Malaysia into a country with adequate broadband facilities by 2007.
“There is no quota on the number of licences we give out per year. We want more local companies to get involved in the business to create a competitive environment so that there is a wider choice and rates can be brought down,” he said.
Bistamam said although it was a capital-intensive industry, the new network facilities providers had a huge market to tap into.