Shabery suggests telcos reduce broadband package prices

It can be much cheaper because usage is not only limited for checking the e-mails but in all aspects.

PUTRAJAYA: Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek has suggested that telecommunication companies offer broadband packages at a cheaper price so that more people can enjoy the services.

He said the cost of telecommunication handling had dropped because companies such as Telekom Malaysia and Time Dotcom had sold the optical fibres wholesale to telecommunication companies at a cheaper price.

“In this regard, we ask the telecommunication companies to look at this aspect to reduce the market price for broadband services.

“This is just a call, not an instruction. I hope everyone will respond positively (to the call),” he told reporters after attending the launch of the ‘AirTimeShare’, here yesterday.

Ahmad Shabery said broadband services had become an important component in the daily routine, thus it should be offered at an affordable price.

“It can’t be denied that telecommunication cost is becoming cheaper each year but for me, it can be made much cheaper because the usage is not only limited for checking the e-mails but in all aspects,” he said.

Earlier, Ahmad Shabery launched the “ShareShare” App, an air time transfer application for quick reload or top up for mobile subscribers. The upgraded product by IDOTTV Sdn Bhd enables the user to request or send credit to friends and family even when the user has zero credit.

The service is currently available for Celcom and Maxis users, with two other telcos having signed up to launch the service on their platform by middle of this year.

- BERNAMA