KUALA LUMPUR: Those in the B40 group, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, military and police veterans as well as youths will be able to enjoy internet access at 'half the price and triple the speed' with the introduction of the government's Unity Package.
Communication and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the unity government, through the ministry, has expanded the Youth Package that was previously offered to youths aged between 12 and 24.
"With the new package, youths until the age of 30, those in the B40 group, senior citizens, persons with disabilities as well as military and police veterans will enjoy a reduction in the price of prepaid mobile internet subscription compared to current prices beginning February 2023.
"This commitment is aimed at reducing the cost of living for the targeted groups to have access to the internet, which is a basic utility needed by the people.
"The price reduction includes the prepaid packages offered by five telecommunication services providers, namely CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, Telekom Malaysia (TM) and YTL Communications," Fahmi said in a statement today.
He said the RM30 Unity Package offers an increase in internet speed from 1Mbps to 3Mbps while the quota has been increased from 20GB for three months (90 days) to 30GB for six months (180 days).
"This means that consumers will enjoy 50 per cent savings compared to existing packages, which is from RM10 a month to RM5 a month. Basically, consumers are paying half the price for triple the speed," said Fahmi.
He added this is the basic package and it is up to the service providers to offer value added services to the package.
"I am confident that the effort by the ministry with the strategic cooperation of the service providers is in line with the unity government's wish to reduce the cost of living and at the same time ensure a comprehensive digital interconnectivity.
"The move to reduce the price shows that the need for the people to enjoy a cheaper and more affordable telecommunication service is being given serious attention by the government.
"This initiative would give more consumers in the targeted groups the opportunity to get quality telecommunication service as well as improving access to the service," said Fahmi.
He said the service providers will make further announcements on the Unity Package soon.