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Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2019
INFORMATION & TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Authority for Info-Communications Technology
Industry (AITI) was established on January 1,
2003 as a result of the AITI Order. It operates
as a statutory power but also manages the
national radio-frequency spectrum and provides
support for the development and growth of the
information and communication technology
(ICT) industry in Brunei.
Before AITI was established, Brunei’s tele-
communication was regulated by the now-
defunct Telecommunications Department under
theMinistryofCommunications.OnApril1,2006,
the department was corporatised as a result of
the Telecommunications Successor Company
Order 2001 and the Telecommunications Order
2001. The department transformed into Telekom
Brunei Berhad (TelBru), operating solely as a
service provider.
In 2013, AITI set out the National Broadband
Policy, a policy plan demonstrating the
government’s policy initiatives and goals for
broadband development over four years (2014-
2017). The policy covers a range of issues such
as accessibility, affordability, quality and usage.
Technology has advanced and mobile phones
have become a necessity in everyday life.
Over the past few years, mobile phone and
broadband penetration surged in Brunei.
According to AITI’s statistics, in 2015, Brunei’s
mobile penetration rate was at 111.4 per cent.
A year later, this figure grew to 125.5 percent.
In 2017, Brunei’s mobile phone penetration rate
reached 127.4 per cent.
Brunei’s mobile broadband penetration has also
grown the past few years. In 2015, Brunei’s
mobile broadband penetration rate was at 93.1
per cent. This figure grew to 121.4 per cent in
2017.
AITI views cyber security as vital in ensuring
a safe and secure cyberspace. AITI’s efforts
under cyber security include combating
cybercrimes, enhancing cyber security and
protecting the likes of intellectual property
rights, digital identities, personal data and the
privacy of individuals online as well as child
protection, making sure children’s experiences
in cyberspace are safe for education and the
enhancement of their creativity.
To further their research and development
capabilities in ICT, in December 2017, AITI
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). The