Telecoms tower company edotco announced a new partnership with integrated network solutions provider Zeta IOS to provide satellite-based solutions to boost rural connectivity in Malaysia.
Under the partnership, edotco and Zeta IOS will develop an integrated solution that combines fixed wireless access (FWA) and Super Wi-Fi connectivity on the ground with satellite backhaul.
The proposed solution will be designed to use LEO satellite systems covering Malaysia, such as Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb. It will also support geostationary satellite broadband services such as MEASAT’s CONNECTme service.
Edotco CEO Adlan Tajudin said that it chose Zeta IOS for its track record in end-to-end integrated connectivity solutions.
"Through our partnership with Zeta IOS, we are taking a significant leap in connecting the most remote areas of Malaysia, where connectivity infrastructure under the National Digital Network (JENDELA) initiative may not reach,” he said in a statement.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC’s) JENDELA initiative aims to provide 100% internet coverage in the country by the end of 2025, with broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps, and 9 million homes passed with gigabit fiber access.
In June this year, the MCMC declared the first phase of JENDELA a success, achieving its goals of 96.9% 4G mobile coverage and 7.5 million premises passed with gigabit fiber.
Phase 2 will focus on extending 5G coverage to 100% of populated areas and 85% of the rural population, and deploying FWA and satellite broadband solutions to fill in the remaining gaps.