JENDELA: Improving Malaysia's digital connectivity

Siti Farhana Sheikh Yahya
November 14, 2020 12:13 MYT
On August 29, the government announced the formation of JENDELA, a digital infrastructure plan to improve the country's digital connectivity and set the nation's foundation for 5G technology - MCMC
The government, in tabling the 2021 Budget on Nov 6, announced a massive allocation of RM500 million for the government initiative, National Digital Network or Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA).
The strong emphasis on digital connectivity in Budget 2021 is extremely crucial in elevating national competitiveness, as information and communications technology (ICT) continues to transform the value creation process while fostering local innovation.
What is JENDELA?
JENDELA’S action Plan
JENDELA aims to enhance Malaysians’ experience on seamless connectivity by maximizing 4G infrastructure and technology to extend its coverage and speed nationwide, focusing on customers’ quality experience.
By 2025, JENDELA sets to achieve several goals:
  1. 100 per cent of 4G coverage in populated areas
  2. 100Mbps speed by adopting 5G
  3. Gigabit access to 9 million premises passed
  4. A readily accessible Digital Infrastructure map
JENDELA is currently in Phase 1 of its implementation which focuses on expanding the 4G mobile broadband coverage from 91.8 per cent to 96.9 per cent in populated areas.
Mobile broadband speeds would also be improved from 25Mbps to 35Mbps, enabling 7.5 million premises with access to gigabit-speed fixed line broadband.
The government recently allocated RM500 million for the year 2021 to implement the JENDELA initiative to ensure the connectivity of a total of 430 schools throughout Malaysia.
Sabah and Sarawak
According to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Sabah would be the biggest beneficiary of the JENDELA initiative with an estimated cost of RM2.45 billion
The implementation of the initiative would turn the broadband facilities and services for the people of Sabah to be on par with those provided in other States in Malaysia.
In Sarawak, 636 new towers are also in the plan and 977 communication transmitting devices will be upgraded.
Commercial service providers will also set up 49 new towers and upgrade 825 communication transmitting devices. Fibre optics will be made available to 43,013 premises.

[Infografik] Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) di Sabah & Sarawak [Infographics] National Digital Network (JENDELA) in Sabah & Sarawak#JENDELA#KitaUntukKita#KKMM#MAKMAL#MalaysiaPrihatin#MCMC#NDIL pic.twitter.com/PHIGyckaIm

— MCMC (Official) (@SKMM_MCMC) September 1, 2020
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Why is 5G important?
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) emphasized that 5G is not just about enhanced speeds and connectivity but is an economic driver that can improve the quality of life for many.
5G technologies would open up many possibilities, for example, increasing automation development in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, banking and agriculture.
According to the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), 5G could contribute up to RM12.7 billion to the GDP between 2021 and 2025 and has the potential to create more than 39,000 new jobs with higher income.
A World Bank study also indicated that a 10 per cent increase in fixed broadband penetration can increase a developing nation’s GDP growth by 1.38 per cent.
#JENDELA #MCMC #Muhyiddin Yassin #Budget 2021 #Internet #digital connectivity #5G
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