JENDELA initiative records encouraging achievement in 4th quarter 2022 - Fahmi

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this was based on current developments of the JENDELA initiative which has succeeded in surpassing the initial target value set, including the availability of fibre optic network connections, 4G coverage and broadband speed.

"As of the fourth quarter, a total of 7.74 million premises have been covered with the availability of fibre optic connections exceeding the initial target of 7.5 million premises. 4G coverage in populated areas has also been expanded to 96.92 per cent surpassing the target of 96.9 per cent.

"In addition, mobile broadband speed was at an average rate of 116.03 Mbps (megabits per second) exceeding the speed target of 35 Mbps which was targeted to be achieved by the end of 2022," he said at the 2023 WSIS Awards Ceremony at the Parliament Building here today.

He said the JENDELA initiative also successfully provided internet access via satellite to 839 Orang Asli communities and residents of rural areas in Sarawak, Sabah, Orang Asli villages and several other areas in Peninsular Malaysia.

He said a JENDELA brief report for the fourth quarter of 2022 will be released at the end of this month or early April.

On the implementation of 5G network coverage, Fahmi said plans were now on track to achieve the target of 80 per cent of populated areas.

"The implementation of 5G which was originally planned under Phase Two of JENDELA for the period 2023 to 2025 was also brought forward to Phase One at the end of 2021," he said.

On the new 'Pakej Perpaduan' broadband service, Fahmi said the matter is expected to be announced on March 29 with details to be informed later.

Earlier, speaking on JENDELA'S success in winning the WSIS Prizes 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, on March 14, Fahmi said it was an exceptional global recognition for the country and an encouragement to the parties involved to continue improving the quality of telecommunication services to the people.

"I would like to congratulate all parties involved, namely the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), telecommunications companies, the federal government and state governments who are always working hard to make the JENDELA initiative a success," he said.

Fahmi, at the same time, also asked all stakeholders, especially state governments and local authorities to continue to give their commitment to facilitate the provision of digital infrastructure.