The Edge, February 4, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: Broadband penetration in Malaysia is expected to surge to between 70% and 80% in the next five years from 25% now, according to YTL Group managing director Tan Sri Dr Francis Yeoh Sock Ping. He said for every 10% increase in broadband penetration, the country's gross domestic product (GDP) should grow by 1.5%. 

Greater penetration would create more job opportunities and in turn, attract foreign investors and encourage domestic investors to stay, he said.

"If we have 100% broadband penetration in Malaysia, we can imagine a sustainable growth in the country," he told reporters after International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed announced the performance of the manufacturing and services sector here today.

YTL POWER INTERNATIONAL BHD has invested RM500 million up in the provision of broadband services. Its total investment is expected to be RM 2.5 billion over the next five years for services including WiMAX.