By: Nurul Ezzaty Mohd Azhari
Photo: Sabri Omar
SERDANG, October 13 - Mobile communication network is a rapidly developing field in today's world, meeting the needs of consumers.
Nowadays, access to jobs, education, and medical services increasingly relies on high-speed broadband connections, and most large companies have started implementing telecommunications.
Mobile Communication and Satellite expert, Faculty of Engineering (FK), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof. Ir. Dr. Aduwati Sali, stated that developments such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G networks have made mobile communication networks increasingly important in our daily lives.
Furthermore, satellite communication has become a vital technology for global communication, allowing remote areas to access communication with urban areas.
"For satellite networks, its growth rate may not be as fast as mobile networks, but it offers unique advantages, especially in areas with no coverage, such as forests, seas, and long-distance communication to ensure access.
"To keep mobile communication network technology at the forefront, continuous efforts are needed to adapt to these developments," she said during her Inaugural Lecture entitled 'Sky-High Communication Anytime, Anywhere,' here today.
She added that the biggest challenge is that it is a rapidly changing technology, constantly evolving and improving, making it one of the most challenging fields to stay ahead in.
In the meantime, Prof. Ir. Dr. Aduwati mentioned that accessing telecommunications in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak requires substantial funding in the installation of satellites and base stations, incurring significant costs, thus causing telecommunication companies to consider whether it's worth installing them in such areas.
"A telecommunications company (telco) will consider whether it is worth installing a base station in remote areas with the returns it will receive. Therefore, the government should take the opportunity to help areas like this to ensure network coverage is available," she said.
Commenting on satellite network signal disruptions during rain, she said the type of raindrops also plays a role.
"Rain in Malaysia is tropical rain, and its drops are larger, compared to rain in European countries, where the raindrops are smaller and finer. Rain here causes some disruption in signal reception.
"Studies will be continued to ensure that smartphones always have network access to communicate with each other, sensors in the sea, forest, and the air so that signals are received safely," she said. - UPM
