Consumers can now check if their Internet speeds are up to benchmarks through the National Digital Infrastructure Plan’s (Jendela) new app.

       The initiative under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was previously only available as a website, though the high rate of usage of mobile users prompted an app version to be rolled out.

       MCMC chief technology and innovation officer Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid said the website – launched in July last year – was to test what users’ demands would be, with a key learning being that the coverage map was the most popular feature.

       The app has five main features: coverage map, feedback submission, a feedback map, Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) locator and a point of interest database.

       With the coverage map, users can see which telcos are available in the area, the services provided (like 2G, 4G or fibre) and expected speeds.

       Shamsul Izhan said users previously typed their address and would get an estimate based on the current database of 6.7 million serviceable addresses, whereas on the app this could be done more intuitively using GPS.

       Asked during a press briefing on whether the Jendela app had a speed tester, he said users would need to test Internet speeds on a separate app.

       “We had a debate on whether to use a speed test feature; one that is still ongoing. As there are several speed test services, MCMC doesn’t want to appear (to be) favouring any particular one, so users are free to choose which service they prefer and compare based on that,” he said.

       Since the launch of the Jendela portal, MCMC had received 28,403 responses from the public, ranging from complaints to requests for new telco infrastructure.

       Shamsul Izhan said the app does not track any user data, beyond what is used by Google Analytics.

       He said the service is in line with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, and only users who submit feedback will need to provide their details, consisting of their name and phone number. This along with their feedback would be sent to the appropriate telco to be resolved.

       He added that of the feedback given, only 47% of the reports had been closed. Asked if there was a timeline for telcos to respond, he said this could vary on the nature of the problem and how complex a solution would be, like rolling out new infrastructure.