JASIN: THE National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP), which will provide high-speed Internet broadband to those living in rural and suburban areas, will create a competitive environment to uplift their economic status.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said good Internet access would empower the people, thus creating a borderless world to network.
He said the government would study the outcome of the NFCP pilot project launched recently before considering to implement the plan nationwide.
The pilot project, jointly developed by the government and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), aimed to provide infrastructure for high-speed Internet to 1,100 residents here.
It was completed ahead of schedule and Gobind said the final decision would be made by TNB as the project executor.
“I like to congratulate TNB for its commendable work in completing the NFCP pilot project within a short time. TNB has done a great service to Melaka folk by providing high-speed Internet “This development is advantageous to boost the economy, tourism, education and various sectors in the state,” said Gobind.
“When the whole nation is connected via high-speed Internet, our communications will be enhanced indefinitely.
“At the same time, this will enable the country to compete globally in doing business.
“This is in line with the mission to spur the growth of a digital economy, with focus on inclusiveness, which involves people living outside the cities,” he said.
He was speaking after launching the NFCP pilot project at Dataran Majlis Perbandaran Jasin here recently.
Earlier, Gobind visited several locations that were covered by NFCP project, including Felda Kemendor and the local post office.
He said it was the government’s aim to provide affordable high-speed broadband connection.
“From the TNB telecommunications network, we are confident that there will be healthy competition among the highspeed Internet service providers.
“Besides, this will create a new competitive market for retail service providers,” he said.
At the event were TNB chairman Tan Sri Leo Moggie, Pos Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Syed Md Najib Syed Md Noor and state Communications, Multimedia, Youth Development and Sports Committee chairman Kerk Chee Yee.
Leo said based on the execution of Phase 1 of the project, it was technically feasible to expand the NFCP high-speed broadband service nationwide.
Its success will be testament to the power company’s ability to develop the infrastructure nationwide.
However, he said TNB would conduct a study on the commercial value of the project in realising the government’s aspiration to make NFCP a success.
“TNB will determine the business cost based on the pilot project in Jasin. We need time to see the impact of the broadband network.”
The project is expected to benefit those living in the police quarters here, and residents in Taman Merbau Perdana, Taman Maju and Felda Kemendor.
“They can enjoy the wireless connectivity with the speed of 1Gbps at an affordable price.
“TNB has a 16,000km fibre optic cable besides an extensive infrastructure of electrical transmission lines across Peninsular Malaysia,” said Leo.
Kerk said the high-speed Internet connection would serve as a catalyst for development here as it would connect and benefit up to 1,100 households.
“As a growing suburb, the Internet service will render great help for the district’s growth. The people of Jasin will be geared for rapid development because the district has been chosen to reap the benefits from being a pioneer location of the project,” he said.
