MCMC’s new Nexus app lets you rate the service
PETALING JAYA: With consumers spending their hard-earned money on quality Internet services from telecommunication providers, the question remains: How can they ensure they are getting what they paid for?
On top of that, issues such as dropped connections, slow download and upload speeds, along with inconsistent Internet coverage throughout a premises leave many wondering whether the service they receive matches their subscription.
Recognising these concerns, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has introduced a new tool to empower consumers with insights into whether they are receiving adequate service.
Dubbed the MCMC Nexus application, the app allows users to assess their Internet speed, functionality and overall connection quality based on the Mandatory Standards for Quality of Service (MSQoS).
Try it now: The beta version of the newly developed MCMC Nexus app that accurately measures the speed and quality of the Internet service on your phone is available for download. — Low Boon Tat/The Star
Currently in its beta version, the app offers comprehensive speed test functionalities, including measurements for download and upload speeds, jitter and ping across 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi networks.
The app will be officially introduced at the Malaysian pavilion of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona that is taking place until March 6.
Businesses can also benefit from its route and building survey features.
Route surveys allow users to track connection quality along a specific route while building surveys enable users to determine Wi-Fi signal strength at different locations within a building.
“The information is then relayed in near real-time to both service providers and MCMC, allowing them to monitor service quality.
“This enables proactive action to be taken to address issues,” MCMC commissioner Derek Fernandez (pic) said in an interview.
For best results, users should enable location settings and disable virtual private networks.
When asked how MCMC Nexus differs from other self-conducted internet speed tests, Fernandez explained that test results are directly transmitted to service providers and MCMC via their dashboards.
“The test results serve as indicators, alerting operators and regulators of problems that warrant further attention.
“This allows MCMC and telcos to deploy ground units to survey the affected area and enhance service quality,” he said.
Depending on location and complaint volume, ground teams can arrive within 48 hours to investigate issues.
The test results are displayed using a colour-coded system with green showing that the service meets minimum MSQoS and red, the opposite.
“However, a green indicator does not necessarily mean the service meets the contract standards agreed upon with the provider,” Fernandez clarified.
He emphasised that the app reflects the government and MCMC’s commitment to transparency, fairness and cooperation in the telecommunications sector towards a sustainable and inclusive digital economy.
“People are human beings and assets to businesses – not products,” he stressed.
The app’s development, operation and testing were led by MCMC’s Central Monitoring Division and Geospatial and Data Management Division, collectively known as the MCMC Nexus team.
Following the commission’s approval of the project on Jan 10 last year, Fernandez spearheaded the initiative.
“We had an in-house development team working alongside an external engine provider. More importantly, the app is proprietary to MCMC,” he said, adding that it took one year to develop.
Fernandez also noted that telcos can benefit from the app as it aids network planning, congestion management and service optimisation.
“This tool can save telcos a lot of money since they don’t have to physically go to the ground to check, but instead utilise the data sent through the application to identify potential pain points.”
The beta version of the app is now available for Android users on Google Play Store, while the iOS version is currently in development.
The full version of the app is expected to be released by mid-2025.
Users can provide feedback on the beta testing phase by e-mailing nexus@mcmc.gov.my.
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