PETALING JAYA: Telecommunication companies are in the process of upgrading the 3G transmitter stations to 4G services following the decision to terminate the use of 3G networks, says Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin.

       As of Jan 25, Zahidi said a total of 1,466 3G transmitter stations had been upgraded to 4G services by the main telco services provider companies.

       He said this would continue to be implemented this year using existing spectrum to increase the capacity as well as the quality of mobile broadband to consumers.

       He was replying to a question raised by Steven Choong (PBM – Tebrau) in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 15).

       Choong had asked what steps were being taken to ensure satisfactory 4G internet access after the 3G services were terminated.

       Zahidi added the existing backhaul network is also being upgraded to fiber optics in certain areas to accommodate higher radio capacity for 4G services, saying that upgrading this backhaul network and 4G transmitter stations would ensure better quality mobile broadband access along with better quality experience for users.

       Zahidi also said that through the Jendela plan, there will be 2,175 new towers that will be built to expand 4G coverage, especially in rural and interior areas.

       “For the fourth quarter of 2021, a total of 148 towers are ready to be implemented. In addition, a total of 5,394 existing transmitting stations have been and will be upgraded to 4G to improve coverage quality to consumers.

       “Of that amount, about 3,500 transmitter stations have been upgraded,” he said.

       Meanwhile he acknowledged there were blindspots not just in the interior but in major cities, when asked by Wong Shu Qi (PH – Kluang).

       “Sometimes, even in the cities - including in Cyberjaya itself - there are some areas known as blind spots where there is no coverage. It is the same in areas outside the city where there is a high residential area but no coverage,” he said.

       As such, he said to overcome this issue, the Ministry is working to, among others, focus on 5G networks in city areas and by using satellites.

       “In areas where there is no coverage, a satellite would be able to overcome this. The government is in a discussion to know which satellites to use to overcome blind spot areas and areas where there is no coverage,” said Zahidi

       "Satellites are expensive but the government is studying how we can reduce the cost,” he added.