While Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik does make frequent comments on the poor state of broadband in the country, what makes this article interesting is the level of detail it goes into, naming the companies that have been awarded the last mile licenses (since 2003), and the clear threat mentioned that if they don’t do something with the license, it will be taken away. We’ll try to get the full list of the companies that were awarded the licenses to post up on RedesignMalaysia.com shortly, and perhaps a progress chart as well.
The article also seems to hint that in future, consumers would pay for broadband based on the provision of the service : meaning, if you get bad service/slow speed…you pay less. This would be a welcome change to the current system of monthly contracts with very difficult to process service downtime rebates. Read more below:
New Straits Times - Keng Yaik to lead battle against poor broadband service
“Consumers should not be misled by service providers who are pricing their services not on what is being delivered, but based more on their best effort,” said the Energy, Water and Telecommunications Minister.
Most broadband service providers offer a specific speed connectivity but their contract usually includes the “best-effort basis” clause.
Dr Lim said his ministry would be soon working with NGOs like the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) to ensure that consumers were charged on the basis of the speed and provision of broadband services available.
…The minister also warned telecommunications providers of last-mile connectivity in the country, which have yet to roll out wireless or wired broadband services.
…He said the Government’s decision to liberalise last-mile connectivity (for homes and businesses) by awarding licences to 12 telecommunications companies since 2003 had not achieved the desired effect.
…He added that his ministry was reviewing the performance of all last-mile licences and would take action if there were no significant roll- outs.
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