SEGAMAT: Johor digital economy agenda is set to take off with the construction of 287 telecommunication towers, boosting cellular and internet access statewide.
The telecommunication towers under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) will ensure internet access coverage to almost all nooks and crannies in the state.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said 182 towers of the 287, were completed as of the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023, while the remaining were expected to be fully operational by next year.
Teo conducted a site visit at the tower in Kampung Krishna, Jementah, here, today.
Construction works on the tower commenced last year, and was completed by Celcom Berhad early this year.
It has been in operation since Feb 28 for CelcomDigi, followed by Maxis on Thursday, and today for UMobile cellular users with internet access.
"Over 100 residents in Kampung Krishna, as well as Kampung Paya Jakas and Pekan Jementah, will now have access to high-speed internet," she said.
Teo said as of today, 4,701 towers had been upgraded to 4G/LTE, while 16 towers were still in the process of being upgraded and were expected to be completed and operational by 2025.
"As of now, the overall 4G/LTE coverage in Johor is 99.16 perccent, while in the Segamat parliamentary constituency, the cellular internet coverage for populated areas stands at 97.84 percent.
"There are still areas in Johor facing internet coverage issues. For example, areas like Sengkang Lengga and Kampung Gelang Cincin in Kulai, will soon enjoy uninterrupted coverage once the towers are constructed.
"Most of these are in rural areas, Felda settlements, or villages. However, these locations will be assisted through the Jendela project funded by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission," she added.