Minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fadzil, has announced that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is actively engaging in final negotiations with broadband service providers to facilitate a reduction in wholesale Internet prices.
Fahmi has urged for the negotiations to conclude by next week, leading to the subsequent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) and the broadband service providers, according to Bernama.
Although the negotiation process has been time-consuming due to multiple stakeholders, the anticipated outcome promises “a significant reduction in Internet prices”.
The minister expressed confidence in reaching a resolution following the negotiations, stating, “I believe we are almost reaching a conclusion (following the negotiations). I expect it to be concluded by next week”.
On 7 August, Fahmi announced that all broadband internet service providers have received directives to reduce internet prices starting in September, aligning with the implementation of the Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP).
This initiative is anticipated to result in reduced internet wholesale rates and more affordable packages.
Additionally, he highlighted that the reduction in internet prices serves the purpose of curbing inflation in the telecommunications sector, which has already shown improvement by transitioning from 0% to -3.7% as of July.
Fahmi emphasised the government’s commitment to making internet services more affordable, stating, “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.”
On 25 August, Fahmi further revealed plans for various initiatives within the communication sector to alleviate financial burdens on the public, aligning with the positive trend in the inflation rate.
