PONTIAN: The Communications Ministry is testing various new technologies to ensure the successful implementation of the second phase in the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), for rural and remote areas.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said his ministry was adopting a hybrid approach to address Internet access issues in the remaining 1.8 per cent of populated areas without broadband services.
He said the use of wireless broadband devices from Tarana Wireless Inc was being considered after initial trials in four locations, including Kampung Seri Bunian in Pontian and Sedenak in Kulai, which showed promising results.
"From a technical perspective, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will continue to study this, but there are several aspects that I consider as solutions that can be implemented in the Jendela Phase Two programme," he said.
He added that various new technologies, proven to be stable, fast, and effective in other countries, have the potential to address Malaysia's specific Internet access challenges.
"For example, we have areas with mountainous terrain, hilly regions and places that cross rivers or even reach islands. These solutions can help cover the 1.8 per cent of populated areas still lacking Internet access," Fahmi said after visiting the Proof of Concept project site by Tarana Wireless at the Kampung Seri Bunian Community Hall here today.
He said Kampung Seri Bunian has been one of the test locations for Tarana Wireless since October.
The trial, which will last for two to three months, factors in the impact of the northeast monsoon.
"This trial started before the monsoon season and continues until today, so we have data from both rainy and dry weather conditions.
"This data will help us evaluate the overall performance, considering the two different weather conditions and the two different tower locations," he said.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the implementation of the Phase One of Jendela had been unsatisfactory, with several issues, including the use of technology that was unsuitable for certain locations.
"As I previously mentioned in Parliament, from the 1,661 towers initially planned under Phase One of Jendela, only 1,385 towers were completed, and of that number, only 808 towers are in use.
"We are reviewing the situation. One of the main mistakes we identified was the mismatch of technology with specific locations, along with problems related to land and power supply," he said.
Fahmi assured the public that the ministry was working to address these issues and improve Malaysia's connectivity.