"Over 96% 4G Coverage In Populated Areas" — Here Are 4 Milestones JENDELA Achieved So Far
From 2020 until 2022, the goal of JENDELA Phase 1 was to improve the quality of digital infrastructure and services across Malaysia.
By Shiffa Aziz — 23 Jun 2023, 10:06 AM
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has further caused our lives to revolve around connectivity and digitalisation
As Internet traffic increased by 30% to 70% during this time, the resilience and capability of broadband networks became more crucial. This led to the launch of Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) in September 2020.
JENDELA's goal involves putting in place robust, high-quality, and affordable digital connectivity i.e. improving broadband quality and coverage as well as providing Internet access across all walks of life in all corners of the country.
From 2020 until 2022, the goal of JENDELA Phase 1 was to improve the quality of digital infrastructure and services across Malaysia.
1. 7.74 million premises were installed with fibre connectivity, 4G coverage in populated areas reached 96.92%, and mobile broadband speed was increased to 116.03Mbps
For context, the initiative targets to have fibre connectivity for nine million premises, expand 4G coverage to 100% of populated areas, and increase mobile broadband speed to 100Mbps by end of 2025.
With the current numbers, this achievement paves the way for Phase 2 (2023 – 2025), expanding the use of 5G network services nationwide.
2. 839 locations, including Orang Asli settlements in Peninsular Malaysia, have received satellite connectivity to improve mobile coverage
Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) via satellite connectivity have been installed in rural and remote areas, such as Kampung Orang Asli Ulu Lakai, Negeri Sembilan, and Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Judah, Pulau Carey.
This serves as an interim solution to tackle connectivity issues in locations with a low population density until better connectivity methods become available in the future.
3. The nationwide 3G shutdown was finally completed in 2022
Users were advised by MCMC to switch to 4G in 2021, as the gradual retirement of 3G networks was underway.
This enabled the 3G spectrum to be repurposed to further upgrade 4G networks, allowing for a better quality experience for all users with improved capacity, data speeds, and broadband coverage.
4. The roll-out of 5G coverage was brought forward from Phase 2 to Phase 1
As of 31 December 2022, the 5G network is at 47.1% coverage of populated areas, with 3,906 sites including Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as some areas in Johor, Penang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Perak, Perlis, Pahang, Sabah, and Sarawak.
To ensure the rakyat's quality of experience regarding Internet coverage, JENDELA Map was introduced to the public
Available on the web and as a mobile app, JENDELA Map is a platform for users to check fixed and wireless broadband coverage, channel feedback to MCMC, and receive status updates on their feedback.
It is an independent information system to guide and inform service providers and the public on the telecommunication services and coverage available. With JENDELA Map, you can make an informed decision on which service provider can give you the best service.
The efforts of JENDELA have reduced the digital divide and reinforced digital transformation, providing Malaysians with a more seamless Internet experience
While individuals can easily browse the Internet, send messages, use social media, stream videos, and use other online services, local businesses can utilise digital transformation to make themselves more resilient in a highly competitive environment.
Phase 2 of JENDELA will focus on digital inclusion and leverage multiple technologies such as 4G, 5G, satellite, and more to provide connectivity with higher speeds and better reliability.
As Internet connectivity becomes increasingly important, new technologies are emerging to connect the world with better and faster service. Therefore, it is imperative to achieve the goals of the 12th Malaysia Plan and the National Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy, effectively transforming Malaysia into a high-income nation.
