Telecommunications operators Celcom Axiata Berhad, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Maxis Berhad, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Berhad and TIME dotCom Berhad (collectively 'the Industry'), are fully committed to partner with the Government and make connectivity a basic utility to fast-track Malaysia's transition into a high-income digital society. The Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) action plan announced recently by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Yassin, will be the platform to achieve these aspirations by accelerating the country's digital connectivity through widespread deployment of mobile, fibre and fixed wireless access, and paving the way to 5G, under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025).
The National Digital Infrastructure Lab: A collaborative effort aspiring to deliver connectivity for all
The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered an urgency for Malaysia to address the 'new normal' and cater for future demands of connectivity as an enabler for all facets of life: The economy and people's livelihoods, education, business opportunities and building and connecting communities amongst others. To prepare for the future and to fulfill our Digital Malaysia aspirations, it is clear the Industry must aspire to enable everyone in this journey through quality and reliable connectivity.
To this end, the Industry was a strong participant alongside the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in the National Digital Infrastructure Lab (NDIL), with the aim to collaboratively address how to deliver quality connectivity to all Malaysians. The outcome of the NDIL was a comprehensive digital infrastructure plan that accelerates improvements to coverage and quality of experience nationwide, optimises fixed, mobile and fit-for-purpose technologies; and paves the way for the eventual adoption of 5G technologies to enable the country's digital ambitions.
JENDELA: Strengthening Malaysia's Digital Communications Infrastructure to Deliver Seamless Connectivity for all Malaysians
The Industry will work closely with the Government to fast-track the nation's progress towards becoming a globally competitive, resilient and enriched digital society and economy through JENDELA.
Phase 1 (now to 2022): An accelerated improvement plan for nationwide 4G coverage and 7.5mil fixed broadband premises; with consistent quality of experience for everyone
As announced by the Prime Minister, JENDELA will be implemented in phases. Phase 1, which starts now until 2022, will optimise existing resources and infrastructure for both mobile and fixed connectivity to:
- Expand 4G mobile broadband coverage from 91.8% to 96.9% in populated areas;
- Increase mobile broadband speeds from 25Mbps to 35Mbps; and
- Enable as many as 7.5 million premises to access gigabit speeds with fixed broadband services.
JENDELA will firstly prioritise strengthening the nation's existing fixed and mobile networks and building a strong foundation for the eventual adoption of 5G. This will also involve the gradual retirement of 3G networks at the end of 2021. To achieve the targets in Phase 1, the Industry will look at providing wider coverage and enhanced quality of experience by upgrading and building new 4G sites, and fiberising more premises.
This will be driven by extending 4G mobile coverage in rural and remote areas, improving in-door coverage for urban and suburban areas, connecting more homes with fixed broadband via fibre and other fit-for-purpose technologies (e.g. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and satellite) to ensure widespread nationwide coverage and connectivity for all.
Meanwhile, fibre providers will continue to support the industry with fibre backhaul for capacity to serve higher traffic demands expected on 4G and to ensure the fibre foundation essential for future technologies such as 5G.
Phase 2 (Beyond 2022): Address the Digital Divide via Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and pave the way for 5G
Phase 2 of JENDELA involves utilising FWA and other fit-for-purpose technologies to address further gaps in the digital divide, as well as priming for the nation's eventual adoption of 5G technologies; which will take place once action plans under Phase 1 are achieved.
The Industry will continue to educate the public on the potential of 5G and its capabilities, through use cases applied across verticals such as manufacturing, agriculture, education, healthcare, security transportation, consumer experience, environment and smart city development. These use cases will continue to be explored under the 5G Demonstration Projects (5GDP).
JENDELA: A realistic, progressive digital connectivity plan to realise Digital Malaysia
JENDELA is an accelerated improvement plan where all public and private stakeholders are equally invested to deliver. This is a shared aspiration for the whole country, driven by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) and MCMC in partnership with the telecommunications operators, and other agencies at the federal, state, and local council levels.
The industry believes that collaboration among all parties is crucial to facilitate infrastructure rollout in a coordinated manner, with minimal impact on civil works, the public, the environment, and all aspects of the ecosystem. We look forward to working together to fulfil the objectives of JENDELA and enabling widespread quality connectivity for Malaysians nationwide.
The Industry will provide periodical updates to the public on the progress of JENDELA, including initiatives undertaken as part of journey towards its aspirations.
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TM & Astro collaborate to deliver high quality digital experience
TM provides Astro with full suite of wholesale infrastructure and connectivity solutions to enable Astro to serve its customers with reliable broadband and content services. Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad’s wholly-owned subsidiary, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd (Astro) today inked deals to collaborate in delivering a high quality digital experience to all Malaysians. The collaboration also signifies both companies' commitment to support the “Jalinan Digital Negara” (JENDELA) initiative in providing wider broadband coverage and a better experience nationwide. The agreements were signed by Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM and Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Executive Vice President, TM WHOLESALE while Astro was represented by Henry Tan, Group Chief Executive Officer and Shafiq Abdul Jabbar, Group Chief Financial Officer. Through this strategic collaboration, TM, via TM WHOLESALE, its global and wholesale business arm, will provide Astro with a full suite of infrastructure and connectivity solutions that comprises the whole range of wholesale services inclusive of high speed broadband (HSBB), bandwidth, backhaul and Internet access. This extensive and robust fibre network infrastructure will enable TM together with Astro to provide high-quality and reliable connectivity to their end-users. With TM’s HSBB service, Astro also will be able to provide broadband services to its customers without having the need to build a new infrastructure while extending its coverage to wider areas across the country via a fibre network. As for Internet services, TM’s internet access solution will enable Astro to offer high performance internet connectivity and a comprehensive solution to its customers. To complete the services, TM will also provide Astro with its Content Delivery Network (TM CDN), a newly developed content platform service that delivers seamless, faster and secure digital content. This will enable Astro to strengthen its video streaming efficiency to its current service offerings. Commenting on the collaboration, Imri said: “TM as the leading infrastructure partner for High Speed Broadband wholesale services, leveraged its superior network nationwide to support the industry’s broadband growth. We are also the primary mobile backhaul infrastructure provider for the industry with extensive coverage and capacity. As the digital infrastructure accelerator in Malaysia, we have always been a strong advocate of infrastructure sharing. Thus we are honoured to be given this opportunity to leverage each other’s expertise to provide Malaysians with high quality broadband and content services that we have. This strategic collaboration also demonstrates our commitment to ensure Malaysians are provided with a seamless and “always-on” connectivity experience. We are happy to work with Astro and this is yet another testament to our pivotal role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia aspirations.” Meanwhile, Henry Tan said: “This strategic partnership with TM lays the foundation for Astro to be an internet service provider. Astro’s goal is to provide Malaysians with the best digital experience and broadband value proposition. Leveraging on the strength of TM’s wide HSBB network will enable Astro to realise new revenue streams, scaling our broadband service with content bundles, or standalone broadband and other product lines. This deal gives us more flexibility to offer great value and convenience to our customers.”
One (1) new positive Covid-19 case at TMpoint Taipan, Subang Jaya
TM has activated the necessary safety protocols; outlet closed for sanitisation until 29 December 2020 Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) wishes to confirm one (1) new positive case of COVID-19 amongst its employees at TMpoint Taipan, Subang Jaya on 23 December 2020. The employee is currently receiving treatment at a Government hospital. Following the confirmed case, the Company has taken immediate action to close the TMpoint Taipan outlet until 29 December 2020 for disinfection and sanitisation in accordance to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health (MoH). Meanwhile, to ensure TM customers continue to be served, other TMpoint outlets remain in operations in adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as well as TM’s added safety guidelines. TM management and staff are together praying for the speedy recovery of all those affected by the pandemic. Meanwhile, detailed contact tracing is being carried out by the MoH, assisted by TM’s COVID-19 Crisis Response Team (CRT), to identify and inform those whom had close contact with the positive case. Identified close contacts are being contacted by MoH for further advice and action. TM would like to remind everyone at all times to stay safe – practice social distancing, maintain personal hygiene and adhere to the SOPs as advised by the Government. TM would like to reiterate that it has taken and will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of its customers, employees and community.
TM One Smart Healthcare solutions to enhance digital patient experience at Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care
Malaysia’s first healthcare provider to leverage TM One Smart Patient Suite solution TM One, the enterprise and government sector solutions arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care (“RSDH”) to collaborate on Smart Healthcare and other business solutions for the RSDH group of hospitals. The MoU was signed by Shazurawati Abd Karim, Executive Vice President of TM One, and Peter Hong, Group Chief Executive Officer, RSDH. Aimed at improving patient experience and enabling innovative transformation for essential in-patient services, the collaboration marks the first in Malaysia to leverage TM One’s Smart Patient Suite solution, by harnessing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide automation and surround control. Shazurawati Abd Karim, Executive Vice President, TM One said, “We are honoured to be working with RSDH to serve as the enabler of their next advantage today and tomorrow, bringing Malaysian healthcare and digital progress for all. TM One’s Smart Patient Suite, under its Smart Healthcare solutions, enables users to customise their in-patient environment for a more positive patient care experience.” Peter Hong, Group Chief Executive Officer, RSDH, said, "We are pleased to mark a milestone with this collaboration, as ParkCity Medical Centre will be the first hospital under the Group to pilot TM One’s Smart Patient Suite solution. Given the evolving nature of the healthcare system, we strive to continuously offer solutions that will elevate our patients' experiences by accommodating their needs through the adaptation of digital technology. Backed by TM One’s comprehensive digital support, we are confident that this will contribute to driving the evolution of Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem moving forward.” TM One is also looking into the co-creation of smart solutions that will offer predictive and preventive intervention, as well as improve monitoring and medication adherence. Wellness wearables, for example, will allow high-risk patients who have received care at medical facilities to transition as outpatients quicker and continue self-monitoring in the comfort of their homes, with healthcare professionals leveraging real-time analytics for patient care administration. “Technology is reshaping the relationship between patients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system, enabling us to move towards patient-centric, prevention-focused and outcome-driven healthcare. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), will empower healthcare providers with data and analytics to improve the quality of patient care while maximising operational efficiency,” added Shazurawati. This two-year collaboration with RSDH follows the launch of TM One’s Sphere Programme, which brings together Malaysia’s leading technology and smart solution partners to create an ecosystem that will help springboard enterprise and government sector innovative transformation. Since its launch in October 2022, the alliance has registered close to 50 partners. “At TM One, we look forward to collaborating with partners to offer innovative healthcare solutions to the public. The digital transformation of enterprises and the government sector will change the way they serve today’s digitally-enabled customers and communities,” Shazurawati concluded.