What is HSBB?
High Speed Broadband (HSBB) is a broadband service that offers bandwidth delivered at network speeds of 10Mbps and above when compared to normal broadband (Broadband to the General Population (BBGP)) which delivers bandwidth through wired and wireless technologies at network speeds ranging between 256Kbps and 4Mbps. Eventually in Malaysia, we will see basic HSBB packages offering network speeds between 20-50Mbps and up to 100 Mbps for consumers while businesses will have maximum network speeds available up to 1,000Mbps (1Gbps).
HSBB Deployment in Malaysia
To understand the deployment of HSBB, we must first understand the role HSBB plays in the larger world of broadband deployment in Malaysia. Broadband deployment in Malaysia is carried out using two approaches – normal broadband, known as Broadband to the General Population (BBGP) delivered via wired (DSL) and wireless technologies (WiMax, WiFi, 3G/HSDPA) while the other will be through HSBB.
BBGP (via both wired and wireless modes) is deployed nationwide while HSBB ( available only through the wired mode) will only initially be concentrated in the Klang Valley, Iskandar Malaysia and key industrial zones throughout the country. It is expected that 1.3 million premises will have the ability to access HSBB coverage by end 2012.
The picture below illustrates the deployment of broadband in Malaysia.
Why HSBB?
The government sees HSBB as playing a vital role to maintain and enhance Malaysia’s competitive economic position in the region. Global trends indicate that governments around the developed and developing world are employing HSBB as an economic accelerator and in the highly charged competitive Asia-Pacific region where nations compete intensely for foreign direct investment (FDI), HSBB can be a differentiating factor for nations to entice such FDI to their shores. Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong are the benchmarks in the region and with Singapore to follow suit, Malaysia cannot be left behind. The government has placed high emphasis and its stake on moving the nation towards a k-economy with Information Communications Technology (ICT) at the fulcrum. Initiatives such as the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), High-Tech Parks, Cyberjaya, etc are examples of this drive. Thus, it cannot be overstated, the role that HSBB will play towards this end.
Benefits of HSBB
