Fahmi: MCMC in final stages of talks over cheaper internet fees

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is in the final stage of negotiations with broadband service providers to enable wholesale internet prices to be offered at a lower rate.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he has requested the negotiations be concluded next week to allow for the next step, which is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between his ministry and the service providers.

He also said that the negotiation process has taken quite some time as it involves various parties, but the outcome will result in a significant reduction in internet prices.

“I believe we are almost reaching a conclusion (following the negotiations). I expect it to be concluded by next week,” he told reporters after attending the ministry’s monthly assembly today.

On Aug 7, Fahmi reportedly said that all broadband internet service providers have been instructed to reduce prices starting in September.

This was in line with the implementation of the Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP), which would lead to a reduction in internet wholesale prices and cheaper packages.

Fahmi said the reduction in internet prices was also aimed at decreasing inflation rate in the country’s telecommunications sector - which has now eased from 0 percent to -3.7 percent as of last July.

“Under the unity government, we have successfully reduced the inflation rate in the communication sector. This means that we will indeed offer the internet at affordable prices,” he said.

On Aug 25, Fahmi reportedly said that his ministry would implement various initiatives to reduce financial burden on the people in the communication sector - in line with the positive development of the inflation rate.

Meanwhile, in his speech at the monthly assembly, Fahmi said that his ministry would host the Asia-Pacific Telecommunication/Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Development Forum (ADF2023) in the capital on Oct 9 and 10.

“I see this as an opportunity for the country to showcase some advancements in the telecommunications sector.

“We need to take this opportunity to highlight the strategies we have implemented, including our successful rollout of 5G and reduction of the inflation rate in the communication sector,” the Lembah Pantai MP said.

The hosting of ADF2023 in Malaysia is part of the country's commitment as a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for the term 2023-2026 after being elected to the council during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (ITU PP22) in Bucharest, Romania, on Oct 3 last year.

- Bernama

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