MCMC to kick-start Penang-Kulim broadband It was learnt that the MCMC will be forking out some RM20 million as the initial investment for the project. The project would link about 100 free wired and wireless hotspots in Balik Pulau, Batu Ferringhi and Bayan Lepas on the island, and Kepala Batas, Bukit Mertajam, Batu Kawan and Nibong Tebal on the mainland and the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah. Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said yesterday the systems for the project would be installed by year-end to enhance connectivity in Cyber Cities and Cyber Centres in Penang and Kulim. Bayan Lepas, Bertam and Batu Kawan have been designated as Penang Cyber Cities, while the proposed Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) and Komtar are designated as Cyber Centres. Speaking to reporters after a Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) conference here, Koh said the broadband project was based on a survey conducted in Kulim and Penang three years ago under the National Broadband Plan. “We use this opportunity because Penang is small with a population density that is high enough for us to drive a targeted 90% broadband coverage in the state. “With WiMAX attaining more stability now, I believe that we should be able to achieve that target coverage by 2010,” Koh said. Household broadband penetration rate in Penang increased from 14.3% in 2005 to 20.5% in 2006, and 21.3% in the first quarter of 2007.
PENANG: The government and several telecommunications companies will undertake a broadband project connecting Penang and Kulim, with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) spearheading the initative.
SOURCE: The Edge Daily
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