Wednesday, October 19, 2005

More IT cities, more housing projects or more broadband penetrations?

I think one of the main arguments here is the availability of high speed internet access to all citizens in Malaysia.It is saddening to see that even in place like Ara Damansara, Subang (as described by "Anonymous", where the place he/she stays is part of Klang Valley) does not have broadband access.

If this can happen in Malaysia, something is very wrong with our IT policy. And the only reason that we can have is the monopolization of broadband market by TM Net.During his winding-up speech this evening, Minister Of Science, Technology And Innovation, Y.B. Dato' Dr. Jamaluddin bin Dato' Mohd. Jarjis mentioned that there will be several IT cities set-up in future.

In his reply to a question raised by YB Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Tanjong), JJ claimed that Bayan Baru is identified for IT development in Penang. (Correct me if I am wrong.)He even claimed that his ministry is trying to secure affordable computers for rural families (about RM500 per unit), in which these computers would be run in Malay to enable kampung folks to use ICT.

I think JJ has somehow missed the point as what is needed by Malaysia to be a fully IT savvy nation is to have an equitable IT development for all. Having a few more IC cities or MSCs, or sourcing affordable computers for kampung folks will not improve the problem as long as there is no commitment from the government to break the internet service monopoly by TM Net, thus creating competition among different ISPs to help the government to boost broadband penetration in Malaysia in a competitive price.

Having a few more IT Cities or MSCs may end up with more profiteering chances for housing developers.

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