KOTA KINABALU: Residents in six villages in Sabah’s east coast districts of Tawau, Semporna and Kunak can now enjoy better Internet connectivity with the completion of six telecommunications towers there, says the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

       In a statement, it said six of nine towers built under the National Digital Network (Jalinan Digital Negara or Jendela) have started operating since July 30 this year.

       These telecommunications towers are located in Kampung Bukit Qouin Ladang Sungai Kawah and Kampung Tamang Pulau Sebatik of Tawau. The towers are also located in Kampung Kabimbangan and Kampung Igang-Igang in Semporna, and Kampung Kunak 3 and Kampung Telaga Tujuh in Kunak, all of which total about 19,000 residents.

       Meanwhile, the construction and installation of new transmitters are now ongoing in Kampung Iban Kuala Nangsang, Kampung Sungai Udin Sabah Softwood and Kampung Skim Mesej Ladang Sungai Labah in the Pulau Sebatik, Tawau district.

       These projects are expected to be completed in phases starting from the end of December this year.

       As of August, the Jendela plan has succeeded in providing quicker and better Internet access at 16,480 premises in Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu.

       Additionally, 2,051 other premises are expected to get their Internet access by March next year.

       The expansion of broadband coverage and Internet connectivity involves residential, commercial, industrial and government institutions.

       A total of 467 transmission stations in Tawau have been upgraded to 4G network.

       Meanwhile, the work to upgrade 415 more stations is ongoing.

       These projects are expected to be completed in phases by March next year.

       A total of 21 locations will have broadband connectivity services via satellite.

       These locations are in Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu.

       Villagers at these districts are expected to enjoy Internet access by January next year.