RAIS DISCUSSES BROADBAND ISSUES AT APT CONFERENCE

SEPANG, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- The Asia Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia from Nov 12 to 13 is expected to discuss issues concerning the contributions of the Asia Pacific nations in strengthening the broadband services in their respective countries and the region.

These countries included Malaysia, which will be represented by Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim who is expected to table a motion on how Asia Pacific countries could contribute to the development of broadband services in their countries.

In addition, the discussion on the Asia Pacific action group to raise the quality of the telecommunications service network would also be discussed as well as to determine whether the broadband technical development aspects could be integrated between the countries in the interest of humanity.

"If we look at Malaysia now, it is very active in enhancing its broadband facilities.

"As such, we will also take several modules for comparison at the conference," he told reporters at the KL International Airport, here before departing for the two-day conference beginning tomorrow.

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From the conference, a comparison will be made with other Asia-Pacific countries on how Malaysia can obtain a cheaper broadband service and how the government can minimise infrastructure, yet enabling the people to enjoy the facility at a maximum level.

Apart from that, Rais, will also discuss how Asia-Pacific countries can disseminate information on the way of life and culture of the people in Asia compared with those portrayed by the foreign media.

On the broadband development in Malaysia, Rais said the penetration rate of 50 per cent could be achieved by end of next year.

"This has been targetted since early this year and now we have been able to penetrate 30 per cent based on six million family units.

"Hence, we will plan strategy with the cooperation of all telecommunication companies and the Communication and Multi-Media Commission, as well as the relevant ministries, to make broadband a way of life by the community," he added.

--BERNAMA

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