Latest news with #LOE
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Boosting maritime connectivity with satellites
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.
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Statement from CUPE WSIB Specialists on the Impact of Ongoing Strike on Workers' Compensation Services
MARKHAM, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the strike at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) continues, CUPE's WSIB Specialists – lawyers and paralegals who represent CUPE members in appeals at the WSIB and Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal – are raising urgent concerns about the growing disruption of critical services that injured workers rely on. 'Workers are already feeling the consequences of this work stoppage, and the impact is both immediate and serious,' said one CUPE specialist, speaking with OCEU. 'One worker's retroactive Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits are currently stalled in WSIB payroll, after months of delays already caused by the employer. Now, with the strike ongoing, that delay is only compounding.' Specialists are also reporting widespread delays in case processing, including file access, reconsideration requests, and Appeals Resolution Officer (ARO) reviews. These vital processes are now expected to take weeks or even months longer. 'The employer has assigned managers and directors to oversee the work of case managers, but many are unable to provide clear answers or timelines,' the representative said. In another troubling case, a worker was given incorrect information about the delivery of urgently needed compensation cheques. 'I was told by a Case Manager that the worker's claim had gone to payment just before the strike and would be sent by courier that same day. I passed that information on to the worker.' However, the cheques did not arrive. 'The worker was understandably frustrated and in distress. When I called WSIB, I was told - after being placed on hold - that courier delivery could actually take up to 10 business days. That's not what we were originally told, and it certainly doesn't help the worker who has been waiting desperately for these funds.' 'This is not an isolated glitch. It reflects the deeper dysfunction we're seeing throughout the system,' said the specialist. 'WSIB continues to claim there are no interruptions to service. But we know that's simply not true.' CUPE's WSIB specialists stand in solidarity with the OCEU and the broader community of injured workers in calling for a swift resolution to the strike and immediate action to restore timely, reliable access to workers' compensation services. mb/cope491
