National broadband promotion shortlists eight

KUALA LUMPUR - National Broadband Plan, a body developed by Malaysia's Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has shortlisted eight agencies after inviting 22 agencies to pitch for its estimated US$5 million creative account.

Shortlisted agencies are believed to include Naga DDB, M&C Saatchi and Grey Advertising, among others.

A few weeks ago the Government body asked agencies to submit pre-qualification documents and credentials. 

The National Broadband Plan was launched in 2004 by the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication to provide broadband services to the market, as well as stimulate demand for the services. 

Malaysia currently claims 18 per cent broadband penetration. Among the region’s leading broadband markets are Singapore, with 78 per cent penetration, Hong Kong (80 per cent) and Korea (93 per cent). 

The Malaysian government has set a national broadband target of 50 per cent household penetration by 2010.
| DDB , grey