ECRL connectivity under scrutiny as MCMC intensifies 4G, 5G coverage upgrades

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is conducting internet speed tests along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to pinpoint regions needing enhanced coverage prior to the service's inauguration on December 12, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching disclosed. The tests, employing the MCMC Nexus system, encompass the route from Gombak to Kota Bharu, encompassing the 16 ECRL stations and underground segments.

Teo noted that MCMC aims to identify "greenfield" locations with no coverage and "brownfield" zones with insufficient coverage, even within tunnels, to devise subsequent actions. This information was shared during a press conference at the Kuala Terengganu ECRL Station during her visit to Terengganu. Attendees comprised MCMC Eastern Region Office senior director Mohd Fairus Mohamad and Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak.

Maxis Bhd, designated by MRL as the 4G mobile network infrastructure provider along the ECRL path, unveiled its project implementation plan for telecommunications infrastructure and network equipment enhancements. Teo emphasized that the implementation process will extend over time, and MCMC will persist in collaborating with service providers and MRL to mitigate connectivity issues.

During an ECRL train test journey from Gombak Integrated Terminal to Kuala Terengganu ECRL Station, Teo and the delegation received an MCMC report on internet speed tests conducted inside the train. This 378km route, forming Phase 1 of the ECRL alignment, extends over 519km, linking Gombak to Kota Bharu via 16 stations, with commercial operations slated for December using 11 Electric Multiple Unit trains, each accommodating up to 425 passengers and achieving a top speed of 160km per hour.