KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has responded to an article by a technology portal regarding the implementation of cheaper broadband prices following the latest Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP), which came into effect on March 1, 2023. The MCMC would like to clarify that the reduction in retail fixed broadband prices can only occur once the access agreements have been concluded between service providers.
Currently, most access providers have already published their reference access offers (RAOs) or are in the process of doing so. The negotiation of access agreements will begin based on these published RAOs, and it is expected that the process will be concluded by the end of September 2023. Therefore, the reduction in broadband prices can be expected to take place thereafter. In February 2023, the government launched the Pakej Perpaduan Fixed Internet Broadband, aimed at providing affordable broadband services to the B40 group, veterans, the disabled, and the elderly.
This package offers speeds of up to 30Mbps and is priced at RM69 per month with a 24-month subscription contract. It provides unlimited data and has been available since March 2023. The price of this package is 22% cheaper than the existing prices for similar packages at the same speed, which were priced at RM89. So far, a total of 6,066 users have signed up for the Fixed Broadband package, enjoying savings of RM480 throughout the contract period. Additionally, in April 2023, the PPR/PA @MyKabel package was introduced, offering a speed of 100Mbps with unlimited data at RM69 per month and a 24-month contract.
The PPR/PA @MyKabel package specifically targets the Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) and B40 group to support their daily digital activities. The MCMC assures the public that efforts are being made to implement the MSAP and reduce broadband prices as soon as the necessary access agreements are concluded. These initiatives are part of the government’s commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible broadband services for all Malaysians, particularly those in underserved communities and low-income groups.
