Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd recently conducted a successful live trial of its Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) LTE 4G Radio Telecommunication System, aimed at ensuring operational signals are used without interference.
According to a media release, the trial was executed in collaboration with the contractor for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project’s System Package 2, a joint venture between DOM Industries (M) Sdn Bhd and China Railway Electric Engineering Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd (DOM-EEB JV).
The trial took place from Oct 1 to 3 along Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa in Kota Samarahan, focusing on evaluating the LTE Band 39 communications spectrum from 1900 MHz to 1915 MHz for operational use.
This critical trial supports Sarawak Metro’s application for a 15 MHz allocation of the LTE Band 39 spectrum from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The results confirmed that operational signals within the 1900 MHz to 1915 MHz band do not interfere with adjacent spectrum holders, including Maxis, Umobile, and CelcomDigi networks.
The KUTS Radio Telecommunication System (RTS) is based on the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) architecture and utilises LTE Band 39 frequencies.
Live testing of the LTE Band 39 at a site along Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa in Kota Samarahan,
evaluating network performance for the future ART system.
Representatives from the MCMC’s Kuala Lumpur and Kuching offices, the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), and mobile network operators (MNOs) such as Maxis, Umobile, and CelcomDigi witnessed the trial.
Sarawak Metro’s chief executive officer, Ts Mazli Mustaffa, described the trial as a significant achievement, marking another “first” for the KUTS project.
This follows the previous milestone of being the first operator in Southeast Asia to adopt hydrogen-powered public transport vehicles.
“The success of this trial brings us a step closer to implementing a highly reliable and efficient communication system for the KUTS project.
“Once we’ve obtained all the necessary approvals from the relevant agencies, KUTS is set to become the first public transport system in Southeast Asia to have a 4G LTE link on its ART system, ensuring world-class connectivity for public transport users in Kuching. This is a testament to our commitment to leveraging the latest technologies to enhance the efficiency, safety, and experience of our public transport system,” he remarked.
The trial results indicated no interference with any telecommunications operators, confirming the suitability of LTE Band 39 for the KUTS ART system.
These findings will be included in the formal spectrum application submitted to MCMC for approval, further advancing Sarawak Metro’s efforts to deploy cutting-edge communication systems for the KUTS project. — DayakDaily