PETALING JAYA: The management of the broadband and telecommunications network infrastructure strengthening programme, aimed at expanding high-speed Internet (fibre) coverage and connectivity in rural areas through government financial allocation, has not been fully achieved, says Auditor-General's Report 2/2024.

"A total of 28 out of 87 broadband alignments (Broadband for General Population - BBGP project areas) in Sabah and the Peninsula, worth RM53.60mil, have not been subscribed to or used since their completion between 2013 and 2017.

"Part of the infrastructure is idle, cable line connections are disconnected, and equipment is damaged," it said in the report, which was tabled in Parliament on Thursday (July 4).

The Auditor-General recommended that the Communications Ministry come up with a plan for the comprehensive use of broadband lines to ensure that unsubscribed lines are utilised.

"The audit review found that the lack of subscription to the BBGP range impacts the government’s efforts to increase coverage and access to high-speed broadband, particularly for rural communities," it stated.

The report also revealed that 337 out of 597 schools still use 4G broadband or satellite technology with limited speed, despite the completion of the Point of Presence (PoP) project in these schools from April 2022 to November 2023.

The percentage of schools using 4G broadband or satellite technology in each state ranged from 12.5% to 91%.

"Further review found that the Education Ministry is bound by an Internet Service Interim Package contract, effective from July 2022 until June 2024, and schools cannot make additional purchases of Internet service subscriptions while the interim contract is still in effect.

"The feedback from the Education Ministry supports the PoP project and strives to utilise the existing PoP infrastructure. The Education Ministry also prioritises fibre technology if it is available in the school area," said the report.

The Auditor-General recommended that the Communications Ministry coordinate with interested parties regarding Internet subscriptions, especially with the Education Ministry, and that the implementation of the programme should be improved in PoP Phase 2.

The PoP project aims to bridge the digital divide in rural areas by turning schools into fibre optic broadband infrastructure hubs, enabling schools, government premises, and surrounding residential areas to access high-speed broadband.

According to the report, as of Dec 31, 2023, 599 out of 630 Phase 1 PoP school projects (95%) had been completed, while 31 projects (5%) were still in progress.

"An audit review of the Fomix Report and the telecommunications company’s report up to Dec 31, 2023, found that only two schools (1%) out of 599 have subscribed to the Internet network from the PoP project, while the remaining 597 schools continue to subscribe to the Internet under the Education Ministry's Internet Service Interim Package," the report noted.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/04/idle-broadband-infrastructure-in-rural-areas-reports-a-g