KUALA LUMPUR: Mobile network operators (MNOs) Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Maxis Bhd and U Mobile Sdn Bhd have continued to deliver targets for the mobile sector under the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) programme,and are on track to extend 4G coverage to 96.9 per cent.

       In a joint statement, the MNOs said it has collectively exceeded key 2021 targets including 4G coverage, base station upgrades, and new 4G towers constructed.

       "This progress underscores the strong track record of collaboration between operators, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and related agencies to provide wider coverage and better quality of broadband experience for the people," it said.

       JENDELA achievements from the MNOs in 2021 include 13,807 base station upgrades to 4G and 250 new 4G towers for coverage expansion to reach 95.4 per cent 4G population coverage, exceeding 2021 targets.

       The JENDELA map located at http://jendela.my enables mobile users to also submit feedback, check their coverage, and view network reports from fellow users, among others.

       Meanwhile, with decades of combined expertise and supply chains, collaboration between the MNOs has been instrumental in enabling better mobile coverage rollout, particularly in collectively addressing the challenge of rolling out mobile infrastructure in rural and remote areas.

       Infrastructure, tower, and bandwidth sharing among mobile operators is common and widely practised in Malaysia since 2005, and in radio network sharing from the days of 2G Domestic Roaming (voice) for bandwidth capacity to 3G sharing (voice and data) and currently 4G MOCN (Multi Operator Core Network).

       The collaboration to expand 4G in rural areas under JENDELA phase 1 requires shared and therefore minimal resources from MNOs, hence, having substantial capacity for 5G and ability to effectively prioritise a coordinated 5G rollout.

       The MOCN is a Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing mechanism that allows different MNOs to share the same RAN or mobile coverage. By using this approach, telecommunications company (telcos) are able to extend network coverage by leveraging each other's existing sites and radio equipment.

       The MNOs said the MOCN implementation for 3G and 4G demonstrates the feasibility of 5G sharing to accelerate coverage as part of competing networks.

       "As Malaysia readies itself for 5G deployment as part of MyDIGITAL’s ambition, a denser, fibre-rich infrastructure will be needed to deliver 5G’s key performance indicators: low latency, higher data speeds, ultra-high reliability, and capacity to manage more connected devices,” it added. - Bernama