The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is exploring the use of new tech to improve internet coverage in the country. This particularly applies to those in rural and remote areas, with examples of said tech including direct-to-device systems using low-earth-orbit satellites.
The Edge Malaysia quotes Deputy Comms Minister Teo Nie Ching as saying so in the Dewan Rakyat. She added that “in response to public complaints and the MCMC’s findings, we are planning several improvements, including identifying suitable locations for the upcoming Phase 2 of Jendela“.
On that note, Teo also said that 2,700 locations had been identified as needing improved internet coverage as part of the aforementioned Phase 2 of Jendela. The MCMC is currently “evaluating which technology is best suited for each location”, which may involve the deployment of the low-eart-orbit satellites mentioned earlier. She also said that a decision as to which tech will ultimately be used should be made by next year.
Phase 1 of Jendela saw the shut down of Malaysia’s 3G network back in 2021, with other targets such as the expansion of 4G coverage, and for the country to transition to 5G. Mobile broadband speeds were also targeted at the time to hit 35 Mbps
(Source: The Edge Malaysia)
