Latest news with #MOCN
The Star
20 hours ago
- 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.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
YTL Communications supports government's nationwide connectivity mission
KUALA LUMPUR: YTL Communications Sdn Bhd, Malaysia's first mobile operator to launch 5G commercially, remains steadfast in supporting the government's and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) mission to deliver high-quality, reliable internet access to all Malaysians, whether urban or rural. The company recently hosted Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil for an official visit to its fully operational six-way multi-operator core network (MOCN) 4G radio tower in Tanjung Asam, Penang. This project, delivered under the government's "Where There's a Road, There's Internet" initiative, aligns with the minister's vision of active network sharing among mobile operators to make nationwide coverage expansion more cost-effective. The site showcases Malaysia's telco industry's technological progress through an advanced radio network architecture that allows one operator to deliver radio services and share spectrum for five major mobile network operators (Yes, CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM, U Mobile). The expanded coverage now serves the Tanjung Asam coastal corridor and nearby communities, benefiting over 500 residents and 350 daily commuters along the coastal road, including fishing villages and underserved areas. For this project, YTL Communications partnered with Konsortium Jaringan Selangor (KJS) as the infrastructure provider. The "Where There's a Road, There's Internet" initiative is supported by the Network Infrastructure Sharing Framework (NISF), which was launched by Datuk Fahmi on 27 January 2025 to unite Malaysia's mobile operators in improving national mobile internet coverage. YTL Communications said it fully supports the NISF and will continue to work closely with the Ministry, MCMC, and industry partners to expand quality mobile services for everyone. "Today's event is not just about a tower; it's about a whole-of-industry collaboration in delivering real, measurable impact to the Rakyat," said Wing K. Lee, chief executive officer of YTL Communications. "By using Yes network equipment and spectrum to host all of Malaysia's major mobile telcos, we have proven this advanced network infrastructure sharing approach can indeed be used nationwide to improve coverage for the benefit of the Rakyat." As the anchor operator for this deployment, Yes continues to lead efforts to close Malaysia's digital divide, having already completed 70% of MCMC's JENDELA Phase 2 rollout to date.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
MCMC and Penang govt push Nexus app for better Internet access
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is partnering with the Penang government to encourage wider public use of the MCMC Nexus application. The initiative aims to enhance internet accessibility by leveraging real-time data from users. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil explained that the app enables MCMC to take proactive steps in addressing connectivity issues without waiting for user complaints. 'This allows us to instruct telcos more efficiently to resolve problems,' he said during a visit to the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) 4G tower in Tanjung Asam, Bayan Lepas. The event was part of the 'Where There Are Roads, There Is Internet' programme. Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz. The MCMC Nexus app features real-time internet quality monitoring and speed tests. Data collected is shared directly with MCMC and service providers for immediate network upgrades. Fahmi, on a two-day working visit to Penang, noted that the Tanjung Asam tower is one of five six-directional 4G MOCN towers built to improve connectivity in underserved areas. Other locations include Ikon Tengkolok and Bukit Putus Scout Camp in Negeri Sembilan, Prima Gambang in Pahang, and Kota Seri Langat Toll Plaza in Selangor. 'This collaboration between MCMC and telcos uses a network-sharing framework, allowing multiple providers to operate from a single tower,' he said. 'These towers support up to six telcos, making them ideal for remote routes with low population density.' The project received support from state governments and local authorities in securing permits and overcoming engineering challenges due to difficult terrain
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Fahmi launches six-way MOCN in Bayan Lepas, fifth in the country so far
GEORGE TOWN: The 6-way 4G Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) is now available at Tanjung Asam here in Bayan Lepas. The initiative, which is the fifth in the country, was launched by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil on Tuesday (July 1) and is part of the government policy under "Di Mana Ada Jalan, Di Situ Ada Internet" initiative. The transmitter tower will be able to provide the services of six telecommunications companies, and will benefit the public by improving connectivity. The latest initiative will ease communication for fishermen at sea, road users, and the surrounding community. Other MOCN facilities in the country are the Ikon Tengkolok in Bukit Putus and Kem Pengakap Bukit Putus in Negri Sembilan, Prima Gambang in Pahang, and the West Coast Expressway in Kota Seri Langat Toll Plaza in Banting, Selangor. Present during the launch were state infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathit Aziz.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Fahmi: Action will be taken if public reports power price manipulation
GEORGE TOWN: The government will respond promptly to public complaints about profiteering or price manipulation linked to the new electricity tariff. Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry had today launched Op Kesan 4.0 to prevent such activities. "I am in constant contact with minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali to get real-time updates. "If netizens raise any issues, we will respond promptly. "We believe most premises will remain under control in terms of pricing," he told reporters here today. He was met after the launch of YTL Communications' Tanjung Asam six-way Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) base station. The new electricity tariff in Peninsular Malaysia comes into effect today as part of a major energy sector reform. The new schedule, announced by the Energy Commission, introduces a streamlined structure with separate categories for domestic and non-domestic users, and revised charges for energy, capacity, network and retail components. Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, was asked to comment on the new tariff and public concerns over its impact. He said, as announced by the Energy Commission, 23.6 million Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) accounts in Peninsular Malaysia would not be affected. In fact, he said, the new basic tariff is 19 per cent lower than initially expected. "Therefore, all TNB accounts using less than 1,000 kWh monthly are not only expected to maintain their current bills but may even see a reduction. "This is based on information published by TNB. "For most households, their bills will remain the same or decrease," he said. ne major reform introduced by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation is the Time-of-Use (ToU) system, he said. From today, 2pm to 10pm is considered peak time. "By using high-energy appliances outside this window, consumers can save on electricity costs. "This is because factories and industries mostly operate during peak hours. "The government is now giving people the choice to manage their electricity use more effectively," he added.
