MCMC Finalising Satellite Broadband Access Tender In Rural Areas

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is nearing the end of the tender process for satellite broadband connectivity services in 839 remote locations across the country.

MCMC Minister, Saifuddin Abdullah said the tender evaluation from qualified service provider licensees would begin as soon as applications close on April 15.

He said that it is part of the government’s efforts to achieve progress toward the country’s digital transformation through JENDELA (National Digital Network Plan) and the MyDigital initiative, both of which are key plans to realise the aspirations of a digital nation by 2030, in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision.

“The areas include 178 Orang Asli settlements in Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor, 138 locations in the interior of Sabah, and 523 locations in the interior of Sarawak.

“This project will be completed in Oct 2021 and the citizen will be able to access a free Wi-fi with the speed is 35Mbps, and it is the effort under this JENDELA initiative is the solution while for a period of two years, before permanent infrastructure can be provided for telecommunication network connectivity,” he said in a statement.

According to the MCMC survey, the latest average speed is 25.44Mbps, representing a 1.76 percent increase. In fact, average speeds in Q1 2021 were slightly lower than the 25.6Mbps reported in December 2020.

Saifuddin further added that the areas are far from existing telecommunication network services, and that some of them are difficult to access by heavy machinery due to difficult terrain.

“The implementation of JENDELA is crucial to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no one is left behind in terms of development plans, as well as to allow every citizen to be involved in the digital economy.

“With comprehensive and high-quality internet connectivity, all Malaysians will be able to develop their digital skills and reap the benefits of digital transformation toward the Industrial Revolution 4.0,” he said.

Previously, Sabah Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and MEASAT Global Berhad (MEASAT) has deployed, CONNECTme NOW, a community-based prepaid broadband service, in Kampung Mantus and Kampung Malubang, Sabah.

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