Broadband access in Sabah has increased to about 47 percent, far better than 34 percent previously, says Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairperson Mohd Sharil Tarmizi.

He said the higher percentage was based on a recount made to determine the latest status of broadband access in Sabah.

"Previously, I've heard people asking why the broadband access rate in Sabah is lacking... quite low when compared with other states.

"After we conducted a review, the claim is not very accurate. The broadband access rate in Sabah is close to 47 percent currently and not 34 percent as was reported previously.

"The new access rate was determined through a recount as the majority of the people enjoying the facility are not transients in Sabah. If we take into account the coverage and activities of the wireless village and 1Malaysia Internet Centre, it is evident that Sabah is enjoying close to 47 percent broadband access," he told reporters after the appreciation night for the Sabah

telecommunications industry in Kota Kinabalu last night.

NONE Sharil ( left ) said the commission and the agencies under the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry would continue to work to increase the broadband penetration rate in Sabah, particularly the applications and service centres such as the 1Malaysia Internet Centre, Broadband Centre and Wireless Village.

"We will increase the 3G coverage from 64 percent in the inhabited areas to 75 percent next year. Similarly, the 20 1Malaysia Internet Centres set up in 2009 will be expanded to 71 locations next year.

“All these are in various stages of implementation and next year we will see a sharp increase in broadband access rate in Sabah," he said.

'Percentage is only a benchmark'

Sharil said next year's target would not only focus on the broadband penetration rate but more towards the extent of Internet usage to conduct transactions via "e-commerce" or "e-service".

"This is because the percentage is only the benchmark for broadband access rate but that is not important. What's important is the socio-economic development of the people, particularly the rural folk, in order for us to realise the objective to become a developed nation by 2020 as advocated by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Information, Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim.

"When every state has attained the broadband access level of close to 50 percent, we no longer look at the target in terms of penetration, the focus will be on the content.

"When the broadband service is available extensively, what we will do with the broadband?" he asked.

Sharil, however, said he was confident of attaining 50 percent broadband access in Sabah next year.

4G for Sabahans next year

He also announced that the 4G service and coverage would be expanded to Sabah next year, enabling Sabahans to enjoy the advancement in the telecommunications industry in the country.

Sharil said MCMC had granted approval to telecommunication companies to provide the coverage as soon as possible, from Jan 1, next year.

NONE "However, the launching date will be decided by the respective companies. I was informed that telecommunication companies are rushing to complete the infrastructures to introduce the 4G service soon.

"Initially, the focus areas will be big towns like Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau. The coverage will be upgraded and expanded periodically," he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Sharil said MCMC would open another branch office in Beaufort early next year.

The Sabah MCMC, operating at the MAA Building here, has a branch office in Sandakan, he added.

Special officer to Rais, Mohd Nazri Abdullah, Ministry deputy secretary-general (Communications) Che Azemi Haron and Sabah and Labuan Federal Territories MCMC director K Juslly Elis attended the event.

- Bernama