Oct 2013 Launch of VTEL/Aries Coastal Terrestrial Network by YAB TS Muhyiddin as DPM

V Telecoms Berhad, which until 23 July 2014 was the Malaysian entity of the United Kingdom-based Vasseti Group, developed the Coastal Terrestrial Network Infrastructure Project as part of the broader Vasseti South Asia Network (VSAN). The project constructed a 1,500-kilometer fiber optic network along Malaysia's West Coast, designated as the Coastal Terrestrial Fibre Optic Network Infrastructure, to strengthen regional connectivity.

The initial phase covered the segment from Johor Baharu to Padang Besar. This segment incurred costs approximately RM565 million and received partial funding from Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad through a wider term loan facility and not a dedicated project financing loan as speculated.

The company officials in 2011 committed to invest more than RM1 billion to the Malaysian portion of the project, which was to be funded througha combination of equity and debt financing. The planned investment aimed to link the network into a larger terrestrial fibre optic system spanning over 30,000 kilometers across South Asia.

The initiative focused on underserved regions to narrow the digital divide. It achieved this through competitive pricing for fibre optic services that supported seamless international connectivity.

V Telecoms forecasted 30 percent revenue growth in 2014, rising from RM90 million in 2013. The projection relied on the introduction of the Global IP Transit service.

The Global IP Transit service provided rates starting at US$4 per Mbps at the Johor Baharu point of presence and US$8 per Mbps at other points, including Kuala Lumpur.

By September 2013, Malaysia recorded 67.2 percent broadband penetration, an increase from 22 percent in 2008. World Bank analyses indicated that higher broadband penetration correlated with GDP growth, with a 10 percent rise in penetration linked to a 1.21 percentage point increase in economic growth.

Construction of the West Coast segment began around 2011. Documents confirm that this infrastructure reached completion by October 2013.

The launch of V Telecoms’ Coastal Terrestrial Network Infrastructure Project, which formed the substratum of the VTEL's Global IP Transit service, took place on October 28, 2013. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin officiated the event, alongside Minister of Communication Ahmad Shabery Cheek and the Chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

Media coverage from sources such as The Edge Markets and The Star described the ceremony. Reports highlighted attendance by senior government officials and emphasized the project's alignment with national broadband objectives.

The video at https://youtu.be/bBvx-TYMTrU records the launch ceremony. It includes speeches from dignitaries and displays related to the infrastructure and service offerings.