KOTA KINABALU, May 17 — As of April this year, 7,065 5G sites have been completely developed throughout the country, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
This brings the 5G network's availability to 81.5 per cent coverage in residential areas, while the current subscription stands at 11.9 million, or 35.4 per cent.
"The implementation of 5G, originally planned under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) 2023-2025, has been brought forward to the end of 2021 for Phase One and is now on track to achieve its targets,” he said during his speech at the 2024 World Telecommunications and Information Society Day celebrations today.
Fahmi said 5G coverage for residential areas in Sabah reached 68.4 per cent in the first half of this year, with 545 out of 595 5G sites completed. Meanwhile, 4G coverage in residential areas has expanded to 96.92 per cent, exceeding the target of 96.9 per cent.
839 Orang Asli communities in Sarawak, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia have received Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) via satellite.
The minister later told the press that 647 new towers have been allocated for Sabah, including 398 towers that are expected to be completed by the end of this year under Jendela Phase One. The delays in completing the towers were caused by several issues, including contractors' lateness and approvals by the state authorities.
The ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would monitor the Jendela project periodically to ensure that it is completed properly.
"I have met with all the parties involved and they have informed me that almost all of the 400 towers will be completed by year’s end,” Fahmi said.
— Bernama
