BATU PAHAT: The implementation of the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) will be expanded nationwide to improve connectivity in areas with limited Internet coverage.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (pic), who disclosed the plan, said the initiative would enable collaboration among telecommunications companies to extend coverage to rural, remote and underserved areas with weak signal reception.
He said telecommunications firms with existing infrastructure in a particular area could share their network with other operators, allowing mobile signals to be transmitted and received more comprehensively.
As of now, he said the MOCN initiative has been implemented at five locations – two telecommunications towers at Bukit Putus in Negri Sembilan; one each at Prima Gambang in Pahang, Kota Seri Langat Toll Plaza on the West Coast Expressway in Banting, Selangor; and Tanjung Asam in Penang.
“In Johor, we are identifying several areas. Based on assessments and studies carried out by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), areas with limited 4G or 5G coverage are mainly located in rural parts of the state,” he told reporters after a ministry event at Kampung Parit Maimon here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Fahmi said one of the main factors contributing to poor mobile signal reception is many homes in villages and rural areas being surrounded or shielded by oil palm trees.
“Johor remains a priority for the ministry and the MCMC as we work towards achieving 100% Internet coverage in populated areas,” he said.
