KUALA LUMPUR: Pertama Digital Bhd has announced that it is in advanced investment and collaboration negotiations with iFIBER Holdings Sdn Bhd (iFIBER) which was formalised in a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

       Through this partnership, Pertama Digital and iFIBER seek to deliver gigabit speed internet connectivity at affordable rates.

       iFIBER is a licensed Malaysian telecommunications company that creates an open-access network which enables users to instantly switch between multiple internet service providers (ISPs).

       Pertama Digital strategy director Saify Akhtar said: “Southeast Asia’s recent flight to digital has resulted in an overwhelming demand for high bandwidth internet services.”

       “Think of the simultaneous calls, videos and cloud apps we have grown accustomed to using in the last two years. 1,000 Mbps or gigabit connections will soon become a necessity for every household to participate in tomorrow’s digital economy.

       “This is important to Pertama Digital as we seek to promote equal access and participation in these productive opportunities by a wider section of the Rakyat, regardless of their geographical location and socioeconomic status,” he said in a statement.

       iFiber executive chairman Wan Mohalina Wan Mohammad said in order to deliver an internet infrastructure capable of supporting Malaysia’s digitalisation plans, iFIBER introduced an open-access network business model that prioritises the interests of end users.

       “Through our service, subscribers can select from the widest range of internet service providers on flexible terms. Our customers can even choose to upgrade their connection speeds instantaneously depending on their specific needs.

       “By empowering the Rakyat, iFIBER will create a new broadband marketplace that increases competitiveness and service levels at the same time,” she said.