JENDELA: 4G coverage reaches 94 pct

The level of 4G coverage in populated areas has reached 94 per cent as of the end of August 2021 as a result of the implementation of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) compared to 91.8 per cent in Sept 2020 when the initiative was first implemented, said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. MCMC).

For the same period, MCMC said the country's average mobile broadband speed showed an increase by reaching 29.14Mbps compared to 25Mbps previously.

A total of 6.255 million premises have been covered with fibre optic network compared to 4.95 million premises in Sept 2020, MCMC said in a statement today.

"This development is a follow-up to the government's proactive action through the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) in enhancing the level of connectivity in the country," said MCMC.

The commission said that under the JENDELA Plan phase one, a total of 1,661 new communication towers will be built in urban and rural areas, which is expected to start in the last quarter of 2021.

Also to be implemented is satellite broadband access (VSAT) services at 839 locations in sparsely populated areas in the interiors in the fourth quarter of 2021 to increase internet coverage.

MCMC said the encouraging development of the implementation of JENDELA was driven by the strong support given by the state governments, local authorities (PBT), cooperation from industry apart from the government's commitment in ensuring better internet connectivity as well as driving the country's digital economy growth.

JENDELA's fourth quarterly report detailing the latest developments in the implementation of JENDELA will be made available in early October, it said.

MCMC added that the development of JENDELA Map provided an opportunity for the people to lodge feedback or complaints to service providers to improve the quality and coverage of broadband services, as well as the coverage status of their broadband service networks.

-- BERNAMA