In 2022, all 839 sites for Broadband Wireless Access (“BWA”) via Satellite Connectivity in Orang Asli settlements in Peninsular Malaysia and the remote areas in Sabah and Sarawak were completed. This project is one of the initiatives under the Jalinan Digital Negara (“JENDELA”) plan with the objective of providing internet connectivity in these areas.
This project benefits the surrounding communities by helping them to connect with the rest of the world, enabling online learning and providing equal opportunities for these communities to participate in the digital economy.
In 2022, 160 new communications towers were deployed to provide public cellular services and broadband access services in rural and suburban areas nationwide. The deployment was fully funded by the USP Fund and awarded by way of Regulation 5 and Regulation 36A of the Communications and Multimedia (Universal Service Provision) Regulations 2002. As of 31 December 2022, there is a total of 2,748 communications towers funded through the USP Fund since its inception in 2002.
In addition, 1,886 base stations at existing towers were upgraded to 4G services in 2022 to expand 4G coverage through Regulations 36A of USP Regulations 2002. As of 31 December 2022, a total of 10,693 base stations at existing towers have been upgraded nationwide.
