Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has announced that the government will embark on a new plan called Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA). Conceived through the National Digital Infrastructure Lab, JENDELA mainly aims to improve the country’s digital infrastructure and to prepare Malaysia for the transition to 5G network.
Divided into two phases, Phase 1 of JENDELA is already in progress according to PM Muhyiddin and will involve the expansion of 4G coverage in populated areas from 91.8% to 96.9%. In addition to that, another objective of Phase 1 is to increase the capability of our mobile broadband from 25Mbps to 35Mbps.
As part of Phase 1 implementation, the country’s 3G network will be deactivated in stages by the end of 2021. Additionally, 7.5 million premises are expected to be able to utilise Gigabit-capable fixed broadband connection under this phase.
Once Phase 1 has been completed, only then Phase 2 will be implemented which involved the migration to 5G technology. PM Muhyiddin didn’t provide the exact timeline for the implementation of JENDELA in his announcement but did state that it is part of the 12th Malaysia Plan which covers 2021 to 2025.
The announcement also didn’t say whether JENDELA will be acting as a replacement or enhancement to the existing National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP). However, given the similarities between their aims and principles, we would not be surprised if JENDELA is taking over NFCP’s role.
