KUCHING: Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have agreed in principle to work together to tackle the urgent need for broadband internet connectivity in underserved areas in the state.
SMA said they are going to work closely with MCMC to ensure efficient rollout of their projects.
“We are mindful of the connectivity gaps, especially in the rural areas which still pose a big challenge in Sarawak. The efforts to address this issue are hindered by the pandemic and have only begun to pick up again,” SMA said on Monday (Nov 30).
“SMART, a flagship project under SMA, is targeted to build 600 telecommunication towers throughout Sarawak as one of the foundations to realise the Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022 for the state,” it said, adding that SMA’s resolve to provide seamless connectivity throughout Sarawak remains strong.
The authority pointed out that to date, 202 towers have been completed under the first phase of the project known as ‘SMART First 300’ projects, while 98 more towers are currently under construction with the completion target set for next year.
“At the same time, the tender award to install the common network platform for telecommunication services to the SMART First 300 towers are expected to be completed by the end of this month,” it said.
Desktop planning for the rollout of the SMART Next 300 has also been completed.
“In addition, SMA has announced the deployment of Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) under the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) 200 plan as an interim connectivity solution for targeted areas,” it said.
As for MCMC, SMA said last Nov 20 the Commission announced the commencement of phase one of ‘Pelan Jalinan Digital Negara (Jendela)’ with the issuance of the first invitation for the submission of draft plans for the provisioning of public cellular and mobile broadband services at 1,661 locations nationwide.
Out of the 1,661 locations identified by the Commission, a total 636 are in Sarawak. The initiative is part of an aspiration to enhance nationwide coverage of 4G from 91.8 percent to 96.9 percent populated areas nationwide by 2022.
SMA pointed out that enhancing and expanding the 4G coverage was vital to ensure that telecommunication services are available in all corners of the nation.
“The surge in demand for broadband due to lockdowns made necessary by the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted MCMC to revise its plans and targets for building a robust national digital infrastructure. One of the aspirations is to provide an average mobile broadband speed of 35Mbps by the end of next year,” it said.
It added that towards achieving this target, complementing a fibre-based network, which connects as many towers as possible was crucial, while aggressive fiberisation would enhance speed, reliability and the overall user experience.
“Therefore, SMA and MCMC will continue to work together to find the best solution in providing the communication needs of all Sarawakians.
“The synergy shall pave the way to build a solid foundation for our future growth,” said SMA.
