FOR the first time in history, Penang is the only state to host a high-level dialogue session with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and seven other telco companies.
The meeting’s objective was to spearhead development of telecommunication infrastructure in the state in line with the Penang2030 vision of a Family-focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.
In a packed media conference at Komtar today, state Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said this historical meeting was another step towards a well-developed and robust telecommunications network infrastructure to support smart city initiatives.
“Hence after the discussion, we have agreed to the formulation of the Penang Connectivity Master Plan that will be facilitated by the state, guided by MCMC and delivered by telcos.
“All parties have committed to completing the master plan by end of this year while a task force is also formed in order to materialise it,” he said.
The task force with a three-tier structure will be formalised under executive level, steering committee level and working committee level.
Zairil explained this will be a blueprint for the coordination, planning and execution of all telecommunication matters while it would also be guided by Federal-driven policies such as the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP).
The master plan aims to fulfill the demands of the public and industry, address challenges faced by telcos in infrastructure rollout and also optimise state policies and governance to facilitate development of digital needs.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, meanwhile, hopes the state would not only continue to lead but also become a showcase to other states.
“The consumers can have a better experience of Internet connectivity in addressing their daily and industrial needs of connecting with others.
“It is also a digital journey towards Penang2030,” he said.
Telco companies present were Digi, Maxis, Celcom, Telekom Malaysia, Time, YTL and U Mobile.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhammad