NEWS: Let's get national broadband up to speed

IT looks like a number of issues have yet to be finalised with regard to the implementation of the national High-Speed Broadband (HSBB) project by carrier TM.

Under the National Broadband Plan, the country aims to achieve 35 per cent and 50 per cent broadband penetration rate by next year and 2010 respectively.

According to reports, the Government, which will finance part of the estimated RM11.3 billion project, is still reviewing some issues such as its portion of funding.

The project, expected to span over 10 years, is aimed at increasing the national broadband penetration rate, which is still low when compared to other regional economies. Under the National Broadband Plan, the country aims to achieve 35 per cent and 50 per cent broadband penetration rate by next year and 2010 respectively, from about

15.5 per cent last year.

A crucial part of the HSBB project is bringing the broadband infrastructure to rural areas, which still remains a thorny issue. Broadband availability in these areas would certainly have a positive impact on such sectors as education and agriculture.

For example, rural kids would benefit from the use of innovative technology in the classroom, just like their peers in the urban areas. This, in turn, would help develop their potential.

For the agricultural community, getting exposed to technology tools could help boost worker efficiency and crop productivity, not forgetting access to a wider market for their produce. The same applies to small businesses and cottage industries.

In essence, the HSBB project is as crucial to rural folks as it is to urban communities. It would open up new opportunities and help all move up the economic ladder. So, it is vital that all the relevant parties quickly get their act together and kick-start the project, for the whole nation is waiting.