Jumaat, 16 April 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it was monitoring three of the four wireless 4G Broadband Internet service (WiMAX) providers who have failed to achieve the 25 percent targetted market penetration.

Deputy Minister of Information Communication and Culture Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said from March 2008 to March 2009, the three companies had failed to achieve the target and can be fined.

"However, the fine will depend on their implementation process and consideration of MCMC. Right now, MCMC is considering their appeal," he told the Dewan Rakyat here Thursday when answering a question by Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun (DAP-Jelutong) who wanted to know the WiMAX penetration level and failure by companies to achieve the target.

He added that the government was ready to withdraw the licences of companies that failed to deliver the target, including Asiaspace Sdn Bhd.

"Although the target has not been met, all four companies have shown an improved performance since March 2009. Asiaspace had achieved 18 percent penetration level by Sept 30, last year," he said.

Meanwhile, to an additional question by Salleh Kalbi (BN-Silam) who wanted to know the government's broadband initiative for Sabah and Sarawak, Joseph said the ministry through MCMC had issued licences to two companies but the target has not been met.

"As of Sept 30, there was only 14 coverage in Sabah and 24.83 percent in Sarawak. The ministry has also issued a licence to P1 which had shown an impressive performance in the peninsular. They (P1) will role out a plan for the two states soon," he said.

source: BERNAMA