Additional spectrum reduces network congestion

KUCHING, 29 Sept: The Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications requested additional spectrum from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to reduce congestion in telecommunication networks when there is an increase in usage.

Its director, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, said the application was part of efforts to strengthen telecommunications facilities as well as ensure consumers get better services.

He said that more efficient and positive use of online facilities should also be encouraged over non-beneficial online activities.

"More efficient and positive use is being made than unprofitable online use", he said in a statement following discussions with several telecommunications-related parties.

The discussion on Monday was attended by representatives of MCMC, Sarawak Multimedia Authority, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation, SACOFA and Sarawak Information Systems.

Julaihi further said that the issue of broken or damaged cables and optical fibres due to vandalism and theft activities was also discussed, with enforcement and cooperation from all parties needed to deal with it.

He said the maintenance work of telecommunications facilities should also be carried out more systematically and effectively, especially involving sloping towers as well as low-slung cables and lines to the earth's surface.

"Cleaning of the floating plants in the towers, cables and lines also needs to be done immediately.

"MCMC is responsible for this task but with the cooperation of all telecommunications agencies and budgets gathered.

"SMA as the regulator has its own responsibilities under existing ordinances. "Everyone has to work together", he said.

According to him, closer cooperation between telecommunications service providers is also essential for improving the quality of services to consumers.

He said the Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology can be used jointly by telecom service providers to allow customers to get the most out of services wherever they are.

In related developments, he proposed premises that rely on online transactions, including oil stations, installing fixed lines as the primary connection, while mobile services are used as a backup connection.

He said the approach was important to ensure that customer affairs could continue without disruption, especially when problems arise on one of the networks.

"Online transactions such as oil stations are saved and forced to install fixed lines as fixed lines and mobile lines as support services so that customers can benefit without interruption like the existing government subsidies", he said.