U Mobile Sdn Bhd has successfully completed 78 out of 81 towers assigned to the telco company under the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA), surpassing other telco companies involved in the same project that are taking longer to operate their respective towers.
“We find at some places the towers have been completed for 7 or 8 months, even 9 months, but are still not operational. So, I have asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to review directives to the telcos not to delay and to complete them as soon as possible,” said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
The telco operator also announced that it is ready to spearhead the second 5G network in line with national priorities by strengthening local engagement and participation in critical telecommunications infrastructure.
This announcement comes following Singapore-headquartered ST Telemedia’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Straits Mobile Investment Pte Ltd agreeing to the strategic alignment of its shareholding ownership in U Mobile to 20% from the original 49%, thus increasing U Mobile’s Malaysian ownership.
“While foreign ownership is common in the telco sector, U Mobile’s strategy prioritises Malaysian industry development and strengthening of local ownership. This increased local partnership supports the company’s dedication to national interests,” U Mobile stated, expressing its confidence that the second 5G network will translate into better and more affordable services to the public through healthy and sustained competition.
Meanwhile, in regards to the SMART 600 project implemented by the Sarawak government, Fahmi noted that a total of 325 towers have been completed and are now operational.
“I hope that with the RM42 million funding provided by MCMC for the operation of these SMART 600 towers more towers will be completed and the people will benefit,” he added.
In another development, Fahmi also pointed out that a pilot project using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite technology is set to be launched by mid next year, allowing telecommunications services are delivers directly to devices without needing to go through telco towers.
“This means that…wherever we are, as long as the sky is clear…and not in a forest, there will be a basic line that we can utilise, especially in emergencies,” he added.
