10 new telecom towers to improve internet access in Chini

PEKAN, June 30 -- The construction of 10 new telecommunications towers for 4G service in the Chini state constituency would give better internet access to the residents here, said Communications and Multimedia Minister, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah. 

He said the initiative to improve internet access was based on monitoring by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in 15 areas in the Chini state constituency on May 27 which found internet access there was low.

“Apart from building new towers, 11 existing towers would be upgraded from 2G and 3G to 4G. For fixed broadband service, 439 existing premises using copper broadband would be upgraded to fibre optic broadband.

“The upgrading initiatives carried out by Telekom Malaysia Bhd are expected to be completed by the end of 2021," he told a media conference after visiting the Chini by-election media centre in Kampung Salong near here today.

Also present were Pahang MCMC director Zahari Ismail, Pahang Telekom Malaysia general manager Datuk Zulfikri Hashim, Pahang Information director Mohd Salmun Mustafa and Beserah assemblyman, Andansura Rabu.  

Saifuddin also said for the time being, two transmitting stations at the existing towers in Chini and the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Paloh Hinai had been upgraded to 3G and 4G service in the second quarter of 2020 apart from a new tower with 3G and 4G service operating since the second half of 2020.

Apart from that, the process of upgrading and extension of internet coverage has also been conducted by the telecommunications service provider by placing mobile portable base stations temporarily from June while their existing towers would be upgraded to 4G permanently.

"The move is to accommodate the people visiting Chini especially to Felda settlements. Works on improving and upgrading coverage are to ensure the people here and the surrounding areas could enjoy better and more stable internet coverage,” he said.

Despite many improvements happening now, Saifuddin said there are still several areas in Chini state constituency especially the interior which is still lacking and needed better telecommunications coverage with the development of infrastructure or new towers.

In this regard, Saifuddin assured all improvement plans would continue to be carried out by the ministry to ensure local residents receive the best communication service for their well-being.

-- BERNAMA