KUALA LUMPUR: Mobile network operators (MNOs) Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi Tele-communications 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%.

       In a joint statement, the MNOs said they have 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’s achievements from the MNOs in 2021 included 13,807 base station upgrades to 4G and 250 new 4G towers for coverage expansion to reach 95.4% 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, the 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 multi operator core network. — Bernama