I work in a clinic located at Burma Road, Penang. In May 2009, I subscribed to the high-speed Wiggy wireless broadband service from P1 Wimax. Initially, I received excellent Internet reception throughout my clinic whether at the reception area or in my consultation room.

However, over the last few months, service has become dismal and I am no longer able to access the Internet from my consultation room although access is still available at the reception. It seems this is because a transmission tower that was initially erected at Aurora Court, a nearby building, had to be taken down on instructions of the state government.

I also understand that plans to extend wireless Internet access in Penang have been halted as issues relating to erection of transmission towers have not been resolved. P1 sent over a technician to verify the legitimacy of my problems, but they have not allowed a change of modem nor termination of service. So I am continuing to pay RM150 a month for poor, partial Internet access.

How can the Penang government, or the ministry in charge of multimedia, hope to take our community up the value chain when they are unable to resolve administrative issues related to erection of transmission towers?

Where is the island-wide wireless Internet access that they had promised in the press? If transmission towers are not allowed at residential sites, can the rooftops of our multi-storey government buildings be utilised instead?

There is no consistent scientific data to show that wireless transmission is harmful, yet politicians drag out obscure statements to oppose and obstruct whatever their opponents are doing to seek popularity and publicity.

Meanwhile, subscription paying folks like me suffer, and are unable to engage in productive work. Having transmission towers at government buildings shows that those in charge are walking the talk and setting an example, and most importantly it improves wireless Internet access.

It commits whoever is in power to continue with a policy designed to improve productivity and not act merely to gain publicity. Unless we all grow up and cooperate, Penang’s pearl will not regain its lustre.