IPOH: The state government is reviewing the information and communications technology blueprint that was launched three years ago to make ICT the thrust of Perak's economic growth beyond 2010.
State Higher Education, Science, Technology and Communication Committee chairman Thomas Su said: "I doubt that every aspect that was stated in the blueprint can be implemented by 2010. That is why we want to review it now." He said the blueprint, known officially as K-Perak 2010, would not be scrapped but be reviewed to make sure that certain features were implemented.
"This is an important blueprint and the state government views it seriously. Without ICT, Perak will lag behind other states," Su told the New Straits Times here yesterday.
He said the state government would also review an agreement with The Red Snapper, which had been tasked with completing Wifi installation throughout the state.
The broadband initiative using Wifi, a popular wireless technology, had hit a snag, with a penetration rate of less than 40 per cent, he said.
The state's broadband roll-out plan had aimed to set up hotspots facilities in 50 per cent of the state by this April and 75 per cent by the end of September.
Su declined to elaborate on the reasons for the snag in the broadband implementation.
Another IT company had shown interest in taking over the job of providing broadband penetration using not only Wifi but also WiMAX (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) and wired connection, he added.
The K-Perak 2010 initiative, aims to turn the state into a knowledge-based state by 2010, a developed state by 2015 and to increase its gross domestic product by three times by 2020.
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