This followed the implementation of the Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP) since June 8 this year, he told a media conference after attending a post-Cabinet meeting in his ministry here today.

“The relevant parties are now in discussions on setting the wholesale price and processes which are expected to be rolled out in July or August, during which cheaper broadband packages will be offered to consumers,” he said.

He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had implemented MSAP since June 8.

“Discussions will also be held among telcos on whether rebates will be given to customers,” added Gobind.

The minister said MCMC had been told to consider other measures to reduce further the price of broadband and monitor the price of broadband so that the price of start-up packages is reasonable.

He said in comparison with other countries, the starting price for 50 megabits per second (Mbps) is RM74 in Thailand and in Singapore and it is RM134 for 1 gigabit per second. Malaysia is offering RM120 for 10 Mbps.

“Many questions have arisen over the matter. So the government is trying to enable cheaper broadband, in comparison to other countries,” he added.

Gobind Singh said it was the policy of MSAP to impose the ceiling price for the service and facility provider used by telecommunications companies in the market.

“A reduction in wholesale price will lead to cheaper market price for consumers,” he said.

He said MCMC had studied the MSAP policy for a year since 2017 and a review of prices should have been introduced on Jan 1, 2018.

“However, it has not been implemented due to an appeal by Telekom Malaysia for MCMC to review several items of the price components.”

He said the decision to review broadband price had been postponed while awaiting consideration from then-communications and multimedia minister Salleh Said Keruak.

Gobind said upon assuming his post, he felt a study should be carried out to reduce the market price of broadband.