KUANTAN: All the 191 telecommunication towers built across Pahang under Phase One of the National Digital Network (Jendela) will be fully operational from April 1 onwards.
State Communications and Multimedia, Youth, Sports and Non-governmental Organisations Committee chairman Fadzli Mohamad Kamal said the final batch of 45 newly constructed communication towers under Phase One were handed over to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today.
"As of last year, 144 towers out of the total 191 have been fully operational, while the remaining 47 are in the midst of being equipped with electric and electronic facilities including securing the service providers.
"The remaining towers will be operational by the end of the first quarter of this year and will be ready by April 1.
"In case, there are issues or delays to install fibre optic cables, I have requested MCMC to provide interim solutions including using Internet access via Starlink or satellite technology.
"The aim is to improve internet connection and coverage in the state," he told reporters after Edotco, the national tower infrastructure company, handed the 45 newly constructed towers to MCMC IN Sungai Pandan here today.
The construction of the 191 telecommunication towers in Pahang began in mid-2020 and were completed in October last year.
Meanwhile, Fazli said close collaboration among stakeholders, including the state Forestry Department, and infrastructure providers has ensured the success of the Jendela Phase One plan.
"Streamlined processes through integrated and strategic cooperation has helped to expedite the construction of towers. We managed to reduce bureaucracy to shorten certain procedures when building and activating the communication towers," he said.
On the 5G network coverage in Pahang, Fazli said he has informed MCMC and Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) to ensure a balanced tower construction in Pahang especially at six districts.
"I realised the 5G sites in Pahang were not balanced. Raub, Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Jerantut, Bera and Maran are far behind in terms of the number of towers compared to other districts in Pahang.
"My concern is that the absence of a 5G network might keep investors away and slow down the development in certain districts. 5G services are vital in the industrial sector as it will help speed up certain processes and ensure better access," he said.
Speaking on Jendela Phase Two in Pahang, Fazli said the state government will wait for MCMC to identify and finalise the locations for the new communication towers.
"Once MCMC is ready, they will brief me on the matter and I will provide the updates," he said.