Some 303,569 premises throughout Sabah will be covered by fiber optic networks, said Minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fadzil. So far, 186,456 premises have been equipped in addition to existing 197,291 premises with implementation works on the remaining 117,113 premises still underway.
“The same goes for upgrading transmitter stations to the 4G network, where a total of 4,281 transmitter stations have been planned, and of this 4,229 have been upgraded, while only 52 stations are still being implemented,” he said. Fahmi said this in conjunction with the Hari Bersama Komuniti (HBK) of Kg Lohan Ranau Digital Economy Center (PEDi), Sunday.
He added that until the second quarter of 2023, 4G mobile broadband coverage reached 90.47 per cent in populated areas with the average mobile speed reaching 43.76Mbps.
“At the same time, for the implementation of the 5G network in Sabah, as of September 30, 2023, the percentage of 5G coverage in populated areas is 48 percent, while a total of 401 of the 622 planned 5G sites have been successfully completed,” he said.
Fahmi added that his Ministry also provides open access to fixed broadband networks using fibre optic technology near schools and industrial areas through the Point of Presence (PoP) Project.
“Glad to be informed that 60 of the 67 PoP areas planned in Sabah in the Phase 1 PoP Project have been successfully completed. The implementation of the Phase 2 PoP Project will also begin involving 636 PoP areas.
When the PoP Project throughout the country is completed by the end of RMK-12 in 2025, at least 432,300 premises will receive high-speed broadband services.
“This certainly contributes towards bridging the digital gap between people in urban and rural areas,” he said.
In addition, the National Digital Interconnection Plan (Jendela) Phase 1 in Sabah has shown encouraging achievement where 631 new communication towers are planned to be erected.
“A total of 186 have been completed, while the remaining 445 new communication towers are still being implemented,” he said.
The Jendela plan which includes two phases has also been developed with the aim of improving connectivity and quality internet services for the benefit of the people including for educational, health and economic purposes.
Earlier the same day, he spent time checking the speed of Starlink himself in Kampung Langsat, Ranau.
“Before this, there was absolutely no internet or telecommunications in this area. Alhamdulillah with the installation of Starlink two months ago, more than 500 residents in the local area benefited.
“I have informed the residents that the Starlink installation is only an interim measure.
“Now we are in the site preparation phase and God willing the installation of internet and telecommunications in this area is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2024,” he said.
The Starlink Installation PoC Project site in Kampung Langsat, Ranau, Sabah is the second installation of Starlink devices in Sabah.
The installation of Starlink is a Proof of Concept (POC) which aims to assess the feasibility of providing Starlink broadband services to solve the issue of poor communication coverage while waiting for the construction of the Jendela communication tower in Kampung Langsat to be completed.
Regarding the organization of the HBK, Fahmi said, it is one of the ongoing initiatives by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) to promote the PEDi which is very close to the local community.
It is an effort to cultivate the elements of digitization and education, especially among the people, as well as a platform to spread information about assistance and services provided by strategic partners.
“The aspect of connectivity is the heart of people’s lives. Strong connectivity can help facilitate daily affairs and improve socioeconomic status. It also acts as a catalyst for the empowerment of the country’s digital economy,” he said.
He added that this effort empowers the activities of the local community, especially in the countryside to develop their skills.
“The Internet facilities provided in PEDi across the country are also able to encourage people to venture into business online through e-commerce platforms.
“This initiative is in line with the Government’s continuous efforts to empower the community through digital transformation, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI in creating a civil society - advanced and skilled and inclusive.
“Therefore, close cooperation between the Federal Government and the State Government is very important in ensuring that the aspiration to bridge the digital divide can be implemented properly,” he said.
Fahmi added, KKD through MCMC aims to provide at least one PEDi in each constituency of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
In Sabah so far, he said, a total of 118 PEDi have been developed, and all of them have already operated successfully, while another 14 new PEDi will be established in the state soon.
“To the residents of Kg Lohan, especially those who live near PEDi Kg Lohan, take this golden opportunity to take advantage of the facilities provided at PEDi.
“Stop by a nearby PEDi to take advantage of the facilities, bring family members along to give them exposure and learn about ways to get involved in the digital economy and how the facilities can boost the family economy. The PEDi manager is ready to help you,” he said.
Source: https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/222595/fibre-optic-coverage-for-more-premises/