Govt to launch nationwide fiberization plan

The government will launch the Nationwide Fiberization Plan (2017-2019) for the expansion of the country's fixed broadband infrastructure.

Announcing the initiative, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said the plan, which received approval from Prime Minister Datuk Najib Tun Razak, would be implemented from this year to 2019.

"This plan will also ensure that the target of doubling the speed of fixed broadband can be achieved," he told Bernama today.

Salleh said the fiber network would connect to about six million premises including an estimated two million premises in the rural areas.

"The fiberization plan is critical to ensure the country remains competitive and its citizens, especially in the rural areas, are able to participate and benefit from the digital economy," he said.

Salleh said the plan would be implemented by way of cooperative arrangement among the relevant entities to provide fiber-based broadband wholesale services.

He said a 3-Tier model would be established, whereby the First Tier would involve utilising Tenaga Nasional Bhd's fiber trunk network for wholesale backhaul services.

The Second Tier Wholesale Service Provider(s) would offer last mile access, while the Third Tier providers would comprise existing telecommunication companies offering retail services to consumers and businesses, he said.

Salleh said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission would be responsible for enforcing the regulatory provisions under the existing regulatory framework in order to ensure achievement of the targets under the plan. - BERNAMA