4G coverage in populated areas in Sabah reaches 88 percent – Fahmi Fadzil
KUALA LUMPUR: The percentage of 4G network coverage in populated areas in Sabah has increased to 88.06 percent, as of the third quarter of 2022.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this was an increase compared to 73.41 percent before the implementation of the National Digital Interconnection Plan (JENDELA), in the second quarter of 2020.
He said in order to expand quality broadband networks in the rural and interior areas of Sabah, the government has accelerated the provision of broadband services through satellite technology, which was originally planned to be implemented in 2023.
“Planning under JENDELA Phase 2 (2023-2025) was successfully completed under JENDELA Phase 1 (2020-2022) last year. A total of 138 locations in Sabah have been completed,” he said through an answer posted on the Parliament website yesterday.
The Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament answered a question from Datuk Wetrom Bahanda (KDM-Kota Marudu), regarding the Ministry of Communications and Digital’s plans to improve the broadband network in the rural areas of Sabah Province.
Fahmi said a total of 171,554 premises in Sabah have been provided with fiber optic connections for fixed line broadband, while the remaining 79,611 are in the implementation stage out of a total of 251,165 planned.
He added that of the 4,123 planned, 4,096 communication transmitters have been upgraded to 4G technology, while the remaining 27 are in the implementation stage.
“The ministry has also completed 159 new towers and is in the process of completing the remaining 455 towers out of the planned 614 towers. All initiatives currently in the implementation stage are expected to be fully completed in the fourth quarter of 2023.
“The government also implemented the provision of broadband infrastructure using the Point of Presence (PoP) method which until Feb 10, the implementation of PoP Phase 1 in Sabah has been successfully completed with the provision of 6,914 premises, of which 2,411 have been subscribed by the surrounding residents,” he said.
In the meantime, Fahmi said to improve the broadband network through the provision of communication infrastructure, the Communications and Multimedia Commission conducts quality measurements in the field based on complaints and planning periodic audits, for the entire country.
He said the service quality audit will continue in 2023, with a target of 4,000 locations across the country including 225 locations for Sabah, to ensure that the Mandatory Standards continue to be adhered to.
“Through this Commission Directive, service providers are obliged to improve the quality of service by optimizing or upgrading existing towers, so that the quality of user experience is at a good level. Non-compliance with the Commission Directive can be subject to a civil penalty of up to RM200,000,” he said.
