Federal government looks serious in increasing the internet broadband usage in Malaysia. The latest development including the possibility of amending the existing law so it is mandatory for developers to install broadband facilities in new commercial and residential properties in future. The reason being is internet broadband is viewed as a necessity,  just like electricity and water. They targets to have 50% to have broadband facilities by end of this year.

Every move toward achieving greater broadband accessibility is applauded, but the definition of broadband facilities the minister is suggesting can raise curiosity to certain parties. Does it means built in modem or router in the building? Or broadband services ready in every house? That doesn’t sounds really possible.  One important element in wired broadband, which is telephone port to connect to wired broadband’s modem or router, is already available in almost every building in Malaysia.

Looking at another angle, broadband facility could also mean telecommunication towers or base station to cater for wireless broadband. This will cover broader areas, but this must comes with an agreement from internet provider companies (ISP). Making it mandatory for developers to come out with this will involve not a small amount of capital. Best if group of developers developing in the same areas to works with the ISP to get this ready and offer some sort of reward to encourage the house buyer to subscribe the broadband.

Malaysia is one of developing countries in the world, but not all level of citizens are in sync with the status that we had. Believe it or not, a lot more still prefer Astro (cable TV station) rather than internet broadband. They view Astro as the source of entertainment as well as information,  but not internet broadband which still perceived as a tools to read email or get their office works done. Broadband should be viewed in broader views, but that must comes with much needed speed.

Another important aspect to look at is, the broadband awareness, which is still low in rural areas and small town. Plus the fact that internet broadband especially wireless broadband comes to no existence in certain places doesn’t help much to spearhead the important of internet broadband. This must comes first, as almost half of Malaysian population still lives in this areas. Achieving 50% target is very much possible if every angles are well covered.

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