203 telecommunication towers built in Sabah

TUARAN (Oct 19): A total of 203 out of the 400 telecommunication towers planned under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) Phase 1 initiative in Sabah have been completed, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the remaining towers were close to completion, but eight had been handed back to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as the company assigned to the project found it too difficult to execute.

“Among the issues causing difficulties are terrain conditions and unresolved land ownership. MCMC will reassess the eight returned sites to see if we can proceed with the projects again,” he said after inspecting the operation of the JENDELA Phase 1 telecommunication tower in Kampung Logub Tamparuli, near here on Saturday.

According to Fahmi, any company that failed to complete the project as required would be subject to penalties.

“I’ve told them that implementing and completing the project carry great responsibility and trust for the well-being of the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fahmi stated that the operation of the JENDELA Phase 1 telecommunications tower in Kampung Logub Tamparuli would benefit 643 residents from the surrounding area with internet speeds of over 200 Mbps, as indicated by the speedtest conducted.

“I hope this facility will not only allow the local community to access social media but also enable them to leverage it for online business,” he said, adding that a total of 2,700 sites would be identified for the JENDELA Phase 2 initiative.

JENDELA was launched in September 2020 with the goal of putting in place robust, high-quality and affordable digital connectivity by improving broadband quality and coverage and providing Internet access to all corners of the country.

In the meantime, Fahmi said that the government was looking into new technology, involving low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, to enhance internet services across the country, particularly in interior areas.

“This technology is highly beneficial for areas that have no internet connectivity and it will provide direct access to our smartphones without going through towers…it is learnt that a pilot project will be implemented by a company in the second quarter of next year,” he said.

-Bernama