85% of Sabah’s Phase Two fibre optic PoP sites are complete, boosting rural internet access with RM1 billion government investment
TENOM: The installation of fibre optic network hubs in Sabah has reached 85% completion under Phase Two of the national broadband initiative.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching confirmed 547 out of 636 planned Points of Presence (PoP) are now operational.
She said this achievement makes Sabah the second fastest region for fibre optic rollout after the Klang Valley.
“The government has invested up to RM1 billion in the Sabah zone,” Teo told Bernama during a site visit to SJKC Yuk Syn.
She explained the funding covers infrastructure costs for telecommunications companies to deploy services in remote areas.
“This initiative ensures rural and remote communities gain access to high-quality internet,” she added.
Teo conducted an internet speed test at the school, recording connectivity exceeding 900 Mbps despite its distance from Kota Kinabalu.
All 15 PoP sites in the Tenom parliamentary constituency have been fully completed, though subscriber numbers remain low.
Tenom currently has only 17 subscribers, while Phase Two PoPs across Sabah serve approximately 8,486 users.
“Many more can benefit by subscribing to our specially designed packages,” Teo emphasised.
Sabah residents can access 300 Mbps internet for just RM35 monthly under a two-year contract exclusive to PoP areas.
Stable high-speed connectivity now enables rural communities to participate effectively in education and e-commerce activities. – Bernama
