Malaysia has most 'affordable' internet in Asia, new report shows

Malaysia has been ranked highest in Asia in a new report on policies for affordable internet across 51 developing countries in the world.

The report by the Alliance for Internet Affordability, a network of governments and technology companies, ranks countries based on their policies for low broadband prices.

Malaysia places third in the world, going up one rank from last year. It is followed by Thailand ranked 13th and China ranked 22nd.

Vietnam came in 22nd, slipping two ranks from last year. Philippines and Indonesia come in 28th and 29th, respectively, while India and Nepal come in 31st and 42nd.

Myanmar showed the greatest improvement in the region, going up to 27th place from 36th last year.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak has made rural connectivity a priority for the country, with the budget for rural broadband projects quadrupled this year.

The country has also launched a new smart village initiative which will give free internet to villages across the country.