The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has released a press statement announcing a list of devices that will be eligible for the RM200 rebate under the Youth Communication Package (or Pakej Komunikasi Belia) as part of the government’s National Broadband Initiative. The Package is meant as a stimulus for more youths to utilise the nation’s broadband facilities, especially among those from rural areas.
According to MCMC, the rebate will allow youths to purchase “selected” 3G smartphones from selected dealers and agents nationwide, with the total expenditure after rebate expected to be no more than RM300. The commission adds that the main reason for the RM500 maximum price cap for eligible devices was intended to allow more people from the target market – youths from rural areas as well as those from the lower income bracket – instead of allowing others who can afford more expensive devices to abuse the scheme. This is because the package will only be available for the first 1.5 million eligible youths who register online on a first come, first served basis (to find out if you are eligible for the Package, head on to our earlier write up here).
In addition, the commission also mentions that the telecommunication companies participating in the program will offer “no less than five or perhaps up to 10 or 12” devices under the initiative, which will be made available at their respective dealership outlets, which will be identifiable by a “Pakej Komunikasi Belia” logo that will be displayed at the outlets. Further, the participating outlets will also be listed on the websites of the service providers in the scheme.
Finally, MCMC has also given a list of 23 smartphones that are eligible for the RM200 rebate under the Youth Communication Package. They are:
1) Alcatel 993D
2) Alcatel OneTouch Glory 2
3) Alcatel OneTouch Inspire 2
4) The Buzz Phone
5) HTC Wildfire
6) Huawei Ideos X3
7) LG Optimus L3
8) Ninetology Black Pearl II
9) Ninetology Palette
10) Nokia 2730
11) Nokia 7230
12) Nokia Asha 305
13) Nokia Asha 308
14) Nokia Asha 311
15) Nokia C2-03
16) Nokia Lumia 610
17) Samsung Galaxy Chat
18) Samsung Galaxy Mini
19) Samsung Galaxy Pocket
20) Samsung Galaxy Y
21) Sony Xperia Tipo
22) ZTE Acqua
23) ZTE V790
In addition, MCMC also noted that the list may be updated from time to time.
Youths who are interested and eligible for the package can register for the scheme at nbi.mcmc.gov.my starting from 1 January 2013.
