KUALA LUMPUR: The government today introduced the National Digital Network (Jendela), a digital infrastructure plan to meet the needs of digital connectivity and to prepare the nation for a gradual transition to 5G technology.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the action plan, under the 12th Malaysia Plan 2021-2025 (12MP), was formulated through laboratory sessions, and would pave way for the provision of a comprehensive and high-quality broadband service coverage.
Jendela's first phase, he said, would begin by expanding the 4G mobile broadband coverage from 91.8 per cent to 96.9 per cent at populated areas.
Mobile broadband speeds would also be improved from 25Mbps to 35Mbps, enabling 7.5 million premises with access to gigabit-speed fixed line broadband, explained Muhyiddin.
"This will also see the termination of the 3G network in stages until end-2021 to boost 4G network and strengthen the foundation for 5G.
"In phase two, which is the transition to 5G, it will be done after strengthening this foundation laid in phase one, in line with the 12MP," Muhyiddin said in a statement today.
He said the people of Sabah would benefit from the implementation of Jendela, from 2020 to 2022, through a planned addition of 382 new communication towers and the upgrading of 924 existing communication transmitters under the Universal Service Provision (USP) programme.
Another 35 new towers and 1,048 communication transmitters in existing towers would also be commercially upgraded by service providers to increase 4G coverage in the state, he added.
"A total of 251,166 premises will also be provided with access to fibre optics," said Muhyiddin.
In Sarawak, 636 new communication towers are being planned while 977 existing communication transmitters will be upgraded under the UPS, he said.
"Meanwhile, 49 new towers and 825 communication transmitters in existing towers would be commercially upgraded and 43,013 premises would be equipped with fibre optics."
Muhyiddin said Jendela would provide access to users to evaluate the coverage and service quality, as well as enable the planning and construction of digital infrastructure to be facilitated by the various ministries and agencies involved, including at the state level.
This, he added, was to provide comprehensive and high-quality broadband services to consumers at a faster rate.
"I urge all quarters, including state and local governments, related ministries and agencies to continue cooperating to support the government's aspiration in making communication services a public utility to drive the country towards a digital economy.
"Jendela will be closely monitored to ensure that it will be well implemented nationwide.
"I believe in the credibility of the Communications and Multimedia Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to ensure service providers implement Jendela as planned, with the strong support and cooperation of the state governments, ministries and relevant agencies so that the people can enjoy its benefits."