KOTA KINABALU, Nov 4 -- Sabah Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Yakub Khan hopes that the National Digital Network (Jendela) will be implemented in Sabah as planned so that digital communication coverage in the state could be enhanced within the stipulated time.

He said so far connectivity status or broadband penetration rate for 100 residents in Sabah was 83.3 per cent, or 3.1 per cent for fixed line broadband and 80.7 per cent for mobile broadband.

On mobile broadband coverage in populated areas, as of the first quarter of 2020 he said, 2G network contributed 88.3 per cent, 3G network (84.1 per cent) and 4G (71.7 per cent).

“It is therefore hoped that communication coverage in Sabah can be improved according to schedule to meet consumers’ demand. Through Jendela, 382 new communication towers are being planned for construction while 924 existing transmitter towers will be upgraded under the Universal Service Provision (USP) programme.

"In addition, 35 new towers and 1,048 communication transmitters in existing towers will also be commercially upgraded by service providers to increase 4G coverage while 251,166 premises will also be provided with access to fiber optics," he said in a statement here today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the government would develop a digital infrastructure plan known as Jendela in an effort to improve the country's digital communications under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025).

Jendela will lay the foundation for comprehensive and high-quality broadband coverage facilities as well as prepare the country for the transition towards 5G technology. 

-- BERNAMA