KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's telecommunications companies have pledged to play a key role in supporting the government's agenda to make connectivity a basic utility and accessible to all.

They welcomed the announcement by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil on fixed internet broadband unity package that would provide access to affordable broadband services to certain segments.

The government launched "Pakej Perpaduan Fixed Internet Broadband" on Thursday.

Fahmi said the package, priced at RM69 per month, would provide Internet speeds of up to 30Mbps with unlimited data.

"Pakej Perpaduan" was aimed at helping the lower income target group to enjoy cheaper fixed Internet broadband with up to 30Mbps speed, he added.

The package comes with a 24-month subscription contract.

Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) said it supported the government's aim to bring hyperconnectivity to key target communities.

TM said it would be working closely with the Communications and Digital Ministry to fine tune the package details and rollout, ensuring the initiative effectively reaches its target communities.

Group chief executive officer Datuk Imri Mokhtar said the package came at a crucial point of the nation's recovery and complemented other national initiatives such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Payung Rahmah.

"This serves as another means to combat the rising cost of living and keeps us on track to building Malaysia's digital economy, despite the challenges anticipated," Imri said in a statement.

"Bringing the power of the internet to underprivileged individuals and families facilitates their right to resources and knowledge online, gives them the opportunity to leverage on digital platforms to run online business and can serve as a critical stepping stone for them to improve their lives," he added.

Imri said while the package enabled more affordable, unlimited fixed broadband and brought savings of RM480 to every eligible household, this complemented the announced Pakej Perpaduan Prabayar Mudah Alih (prepaid mobile) in bringing ubiquitous connectivity for the key target individuals and household members.

"Both of these services will be offered through Unifi Home and Unifi Mobile respectively," he added.

U Mobile Sdn Bhd said it fully backed the government's Pakej Perpaduan to ensure that Malaysians, especially B40s, persons with disabilities (OKUs), veterans, senior citizens and youths (below 30), had access to affordable connectivity.

"It will enable more Malaysians to be digitally competitive, whether for learning, working or leisure," U Mobile said.

The company added it was constantly working with the government to provide quality, affordable and accessible connectivity.

"We will be sharing more details about our Pakej Perpaduan Prabayar offering closer to the launch date (on Feb 28)," it said.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/02/876673/malaysian-telcos-pledge-play-key-role-making-connectivity-basic-utility