Some 929,631 premises and 1,661 communication towers get fibre optics in 2022

by SHAHEERA AZNAM SHAH / pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

THE National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative is targeting to connect optical fibres to 929,631 additional premises and 1,661 new communication towers in rural areas next year, according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

For this year, the Jendela initiative aims to connect fibre optic to 1.24 million premises, upgrading 12,499 existing transmitter stations to cater for the 4G technology and coverage.

In addition, the initiative also involves building 193 new communication towers for commercial use and terminating the 3G network and spectrum transfer for 4G technology and increasing the speed service.

“For the less populated areas, the installation and provision of access services broadband via satellite will also be implemented at 839 locations to increase Internet coverage.

“Implemented in eight states — Johor, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak — the service which is expected to be completed by October 2021, will serve as a short-term solution,” it said in a statement.

Over the past 10 months, two Jendela quarterly reports, which detailed the latest developments and advances of the initiative while the third quarterly is scheduled for June 30, 2021, MCMC said.

“According to the first quarterly report, a total of 456,757 premises are covered with Internet connectivity compared to the initial target of 352,101 premises.

“In addition, a total of 876 new sites have been set up compared to the target of 940 while a total of 16,367 existing towers have been upgraded compared to the initial target of 16,214,” it said.

MCMC said it was aware that there are still complaints on Internet connectivity, especially since the Movement Control Order was executed.

“For complaints that can be resolved through temporary measures, it will be immediately attended to.

“Meanwhile, complaints that are unable to be resolved through short-term solutions, an explanation will be given to help the complainant understand the planning provided,” it said.