KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has approved the implementation of a RM21.6-billion national connectivity plan that gives equal access to the Internet for both the urban and rural population in the effort to reduce the digital divide, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo announced yesterday. He also said that the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) will also benefit those who may otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy, such as farmers, fishermen and the Orang Asli community.
“The government views NFCP as a crucial infrastructure project as well as a strategic effort to enhance the competitiveness of the country and the people of Malaysia in this digital age. “The NFCP five-year (20192023) plan, spearheaded by the ministry, will provide nationwide digital connectivity that is robust, pervasive, high-quality and affordable to all Malaysians.
“In line with the government’s aspiration, the NFCP will bring together the people and businesses in its mission to develop the Malaysian digital economy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), narrow the digital gap and generate a constructive environment for new technologies such as 5G,” he disclosed in a statement. Gobind added that the NFCP focuses on fibre networks to enable greater digital connectivity. However, alternative technologies such as wireless networks and satellite technology would also be deployed wherever conducive. “This is in line with the ‘Shared Prosperity’ initiative, in which rural areas will be able to enjoy high-quality and high-speed broadband access,” he said.
He revealed that the NFCP’s main targets include the provision of an average speed of 30 Mbps in 98 percent of populated areas and gigabits availability in selected industrial areas by the year 2020 and all state capitals by 2023. “This comprehensive effort will enhance the economic competitiveness of the country, especially in state capitals and major cities; rural areas and under-served groups to bridge the digital gap; high-impact areas such as industrial areas.”
Gobind also said that the RM21.6-billion cost of implementing the NFCP, the official launch of which is expected to be held in mid-September, will involve the infrastructure projects in targeted areas that are expected to provide a positive boost to the country’s economy, especially to service providers, small contractors and suppliers. “This amount will be funded through the provision of the Universal Service Provision (USP) Fund, regulated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and commercially by the service provider. “The methods of financing via the USP Fund that would be considered are in the form of full fund, matching fund or partial fund to eligible parties. “These financing methods will help reduce the expenditure of the service provider and the cost savings will benefit consumers through the provision of affordable services,” he said. – Bernama
