MELAKA: The 4G broadband coverage rate in populated areas in the state increased to 99.63% in the fourth quarter of last year.

       Education and technology committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin said in comparison, it was 95.50% in the first quarter of 2020.

       He attributed the increase to the strengthening of digital infrastructure carried out through the 2020-2022 National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative in collaboration with the state government, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Melaka ICT Holdings Sdn Bhd, and telecommunication industry players.

       “The 4G coverage by all telecommunication operators reached 99.63% in 2021 with the average mobile broadband speed also increasing to 33.24 Mbps in the fourth quarter of last year, compared with 19.89 Mbps in the first quarter of 2020,” he told the state assembly yesterday.

       He was responding to a question from Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee who wanted to know about the 4G coverage of each telecommunications operator, plans to improve coverage, and the status of 5G development in the state.

       On the breakdown by districts, Rais said the telco service in Alor Gajah recorded 99.38%, Melaka Tengah (99.99%) and Jasin (98.66%).

       According to Bernama, he said 240,877 or 86.3% of business and residential premises in the state had also received high-speed fibre optic access.

       “To strengthen the Jendela initiative, 30 towers will be built while 144 transmitter stations will be upgraded to 4G,” he said.

       Rais said the state government also aimed to build the Keluarga Malaysia Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) not only in rural areas but also in every state constituency.

       “So far, there are 30 PEDi but nine are undergoing repairs and upgrading and expected to be completed this year,” he said.