Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil (right) sharing a light moment with state Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi at the National Day and Malaysia Council appreciation ceremony in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: The Communications and Digital Ministry hopes to resolve the issue of "naked" telco towers in Sarawak this month.
Minister Fahmi Fadzil said a few details are still being worked out before these towers could be installed with telecommunications equipment.
"If everything goes smoothly, there will be good news to resolve this problem before the end of the month," he told reporters after attending the National Day and Malaysia Day appreciation ceremony here on Friday (Sept 15).
Fahmi said the solution would involve telecommunication service providers, not Starlink.
"Starlink provides Internet connectivity whereas telco towers provide cellular connectivity for making phone calls," he said.
Sarawak Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, who was also present, welcomed any allocations to equip telco towers in Sarawak.
He said the construction of the towers involved several stages, starting with building the physical structure and then installing the telecommunications equipment.
"Both these stages take about nine months each. Then the towers have to be energised with electricity supply.
"Only then will the towers be fully completed and go on air," he explained.
