Boosting maritime connectivity with satellites

The Star

4 days ago

Fast track: Fahmi (centre) checking the Internet speed on his mobile phone alongside Mohamad Fauzi (second from left) and Zairil (second from right) in front of the six-way 4G multi-operator core network in Tanjung Asam, Bayan Lepas. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia is planning to use Low Earth Orbit (LOE) satellites to enhance connectivity in an effort to drive the nation's progress, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said the initiative, which could potentially start in the third or fourth quarter of this year, was especially vital to boosting connectivity in the maritime and difficult terrain areas.
'This solution is relevant because constructing a 60m tower isn't always feasible, for instance, on remote islands where the terrain and logistics aren't suitable.
'Therefore, we believe the Direct-to-Cell technology could be a viable alternative, and it is part of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) future plans to help address connectivity challenges,' he said during a press conference after 'Di Mana Ada Jalan, Di Situ Ada Internet' programme at Tanjung Asam here yesterday.
Fahmi said the technology would leverage satellites into functioning like transmission towers from space.
However, he said the initiative would have to wait for system readiness.
Earlier, Fahmi launched the YTL Communications' Tanjung Asam six-way multi-operator core network (MOCN) base station here.
The MOCN in Tanjung Asam, which is the fifth in the country, is a milestone project that supports the ministry's vision in building a network infrastructure sharing framework (NISF).
Other MOCN facilities in the country are Ikon Tengkolok in Bukit Putus and Kem Pengakap Bukit Putus in Negri Sembilan; Prima Gambang in Pahang; and the West Coast Expressway at Kota Seri Langat Toll Plaza in Banting, Selangor.
The NISF effort enables all network operators to improve mobile Internet coverage for the peo­ple.
The MOCN in Tanjung Asam can provide services to more than 500 residents and 350 daily commuters, including nearby fishing villages and underserved communities, with seamless connectivity to boost the local economic development.
Also present during the launch were Penang infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa.
Zairil said the state government expressed its gratitude to Putrajaya for the 'Di Mana Ada Jalan, Di Situ Ada Internet' initiative which has brought significant benefits to the local community.
'We still recall the tragic incident that occurred a few years ago at Tanjung Asam beach, where a drowning victim could not be reached in time due to poor network coverage.
'With the development of telecommunications infrastructure and installation of towers, such issues can now be addressed,' said Zairil.
He said the initiative would also resolve connectivity 'black spots' along Penang's main trunk roads.
The state government, he added, is especially hopeful that similar problematic areas both on the island and the mainland could be tackled through the efforts of the MCMC and the cooperation of all six major telco providers.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the MCMC was also working closely with the Malaysian Highway Autho­rity to have telecommunication coverage on its highways.
'Discussions are ongoing to include some key locations in phase two of the coverage plan.
'Many of these sites will likely require new towers, and we will support such efforts,' he said.
He added that the MCMC had also identified about 50km of roads that did not have coverage.