Kota Kinabalu: The 4G coverage percentage in Sabah’s populated areas has increased to 88.06 per cent, compared to 73.41 per cent before Phase One of the National Digital Interconnection Plan (Jendela) was implemented in 2020.
State Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI) Assistant Minister Datuk Ruddy Awah said the target is to expand the 4G mobile coverage to 90 per cent in populated areas.
“As of the third quarter in 2022, 154 out of 611 planned towers have been built. A total of 3,810 towers have been upgraded to 4G services out of the planned 3,984 towers.
“For the fixed line broadband service expansion initiative, a total of 134,116 premises out of 251,165 premises have been provided with gigabit speed fiber optic connections,” he said during question time at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
He was responding to Kepayan Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang who asked what the State Government’s initiatives were to improve internet access in rural areas.
Ruddy said the State Government has also implemented a total of 138 satellite broad projects to ensure fast and smooth internet access in rural areas.
He said the projects became fully operational in April and is expected to complete by the end of this year.
“The ministry has also installed internet satellite technology (VSAT) facilities in 24 locations as an effort to complete the Jendela programme,” Ruddy said.
Additionally, he said the Communications and Multimedia Ministry (K-KOMM) has approved the installation of 300 VSATs in 2023, signifying the close relationship between KSTI and K-KOMM in ensuring internet connectivity and digital infrastructure in Sabah is strengthened.
For the record, Phase One of Jendela was implemented in September 2020 which aims at expanding optical fibre coverage and developing digital infrastructure, including building new 4G sites and upgrading existing telecommunication towers.
Ruddy said these are initiatives that will prepare the country towards 5G technology.
“This digital infrastructure development initiative requires cooperation from all parties, especially the Local Authorities (PBT), the Public Works Department (JKR) and the State Government to facilitate the approval process for the projects.
“With close cooperation, this problem can be completely overcome and will put the communication network developments back on the right track,” said Ruddy.
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