Nearly half of telco towers under Jendela Phase 1 operational

KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly half of the telecommunications towers planned under Phase 1 of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) are fully operational, the Dewan Rakyat was informed.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that 808 out of 1,661 towers have been operational since Oct 31 this year, with 1,385 towers completed, while the remainder are still under construction.

He mentioned that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been tasked with scrutinising towers facing delays, with strict actions to be taken against involved parties.

“There will be action to impose liquidated damages on the parties involved.

“MCMC is currently obtaining information and evidence of non-compliance to enforce action against contractors who fail to complete the towers within the stipulated period,” he said during the oral question and answer session on Thursday (Nov 28).

This response was to a supplementary question from Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Perikatan Nasional – Kuala Kangsar), who inquired if a contractor that failed to deliver on time for phase one would be contracted for phase two.

Fahmi noted that some completed towers cannot yet operate as they are still too remote.

He has asked MCMC to provide a temporary solution using Starlink or microwave technology.

Meanwhile, he reported that the 4G coverage rate in populated areas has reached 98.38%, with Negri Sembilan achieving 99.76% coverage.

He added that 5G coverage has currently surpassed 83%.