MCMC says first phase of JENDELA initiative exceeded targets, but 5G uptake remains low

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) claims to have exceeded the initial targets set out under the action plan of the first phase of the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) programme. According to the MCMC the first phase achieved: the passing of 7.74 million premises with gigabit speed broadband connectivity, compared to a target of 7.5 million; the extension of 4G coverage to 96.92% of populated areas, broadly in line with the target of 96.90%; boosting average mobile broadband speeds to 116Mbps, against a target of 35Mbps; and the provision of fixed wireless broadband via satellite connectivity to 839 locations.

Looking ahead, a second phase of the JENDELA programme is now expected to get underway later this year and will focus on extending access to broadband service for the remaining 3% of the population not currently covered. In addition, the next phase will look to extend gigabit access for fixed broadband to a total of nine million premises nationwide.

Meanwhile, at a press briefing regarding the end of the first phase of the JENDELA programme, the MCMC’s COO Dato’ Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus revealed that 5G uptake remains relatively low, despite coverage having now reached 59.5% for the network being rolled out by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). According to statements made by the executive, there are currently around 1.2 million 5G subscriptions in Malaysia, translating to an adoption rate of around 3.1%.