Jendela Phase 1 Nears Completion Nationwide

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Digital infrastructure development under Phase 1 of the National Digital Network (JENDELA) plan is 99.1 per cent complete, with 1,646 new communication towers constructed nationwide as of Dec 31 last year.

In a statement today, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said a total of 1,661 new shared communication towers using the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) and Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing approach were targeted under JENDELA Phase 1.

The commission said full completion of the tower construction is expected in the first quarter of this year.

MCMC noted that premises passed by network coverage increased from 4.96 million before JENDELA to 9.81 million as of the end of December last year, exceeding the target of nine million premises.

“Median mobile broadband download speeds rose to 143.70 Mbps, surpassing the set target.

“As of end-December 2025, internet coverage in populated areas increased from 91.8 per cent to 99.71 per cent,” the statement said.

It said the achievements were supported by mobile network operators’ (MNOs) network expansion initiatives, including new 4G infrastructure deployment, upgrades of existing sites and the benefits of MOCN sharing.

Since August 2025, each MNO has submitted network improvement plans monitored by MCMC and supported by the Industry Guidelines on Network Infrastructure Sharing.

Beyond tower construction, MCMC said it continues to strengthen nationwide connectivity through targeted improvements in Seven Focus Areas, namely public higher education institutions (IPTA), tourist areas, stadiums, event venues, military camps, hospitals and highways.

At IPTA, more than 34,000 Wi-Fi access points have been installed across 126 public universities, polytechnics and community colleges, with an additional 73,768 access points planned to ensure comprehensive coverage.

At military camps, fibre optic facilities are being provided at 73 camps, delivering Fibre to the Home (FTTH) access to 59,240 Armed Forces Family Housing units.

Network coverage and capacity have also been expanded at 18 IPTA campuses and 17 event venues, including Sepang Circuit, SPICE Arena Penang, Sabah International Convention Centre and Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

The commission said the targeted and phased implementation approach has enabled more efficient and effective internet expansion, including in sparsely populated areas such as highway corridors, through fit-for-purpose technologies.

“MCMC will continue to monitor implementation to ensure sustainable and continuous improvements in internet coverage and service quality, in line with the objectives of JENDELA Phase 2 to extend access to low-density areas and major transport corridors,” the statement said.

-- BERNAMA