GEORGE TOWN – Penang can look forward to 151 smart street poles (SSPs) next year, and a total of 1,500 by 2025, in a bid to provide better internet connection.
State Infrastructure and Transportation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said it will be implemented here first, then extended to Butterworth and Batu Kawan, thus providing Penang with 4G and 5G internet connection by end-2025.
“In this aspect, the state will cooperate with Digital Nasional Bhd to implement the 5G network in Penang,” he said after closing the SSP project session with stakeholders at a hotel here yesterday.
Representatives from Digital Nasional Bhd, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Digital Penang, Seberang Prai City Council, Penang Island City Council, Public Works Department, district offices, and network facility/service providers were also present at the event.
Zairil said the state had earlier implemented three SSP pilot projects on the island and mainland respectively.
“The state received input and useful feedback from stakeholders to include as guidelines to improve SSPs, as it is a proven fact that a total of 12 proof-of-concept projects are being implemented in the state currently.
“There were a number of telco (telecommunications companies) tower and radiation complaints over the past several years, but there are more complaints of poor internet connection now, so we need to improve the internet connection as the people have realised its importance – especially during the movement control order.” – The Vibes, October 28, 2021
