BINTULU: Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi has begun a three-day official visit to Bintulu this morning.
The visit is to update and share the progress and transformative impact of Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART).
The SMART project, an initiative by the state government, aims to bridge the digital divide and provide seamless 4G coverage to the rural areas of Sarawak.
It consists of erecting 600 telecommunication towers across the state to deliver high-speed mobile internet access and enable the community to participate in the digital economy.
Julaihi said the SMART project reflects the Sarawak state government’s dedication towards enhancing the quality of life for all its residents.
“By bolstering telecommunication infrastructure and 4G coverage, SMART will open doors to education, healthcare, e-commerce, and a plethora of digital services for rural communities, firmly positioning Sarawak within the global digital infrastructure,” he said in a Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) statement.
A pivotal feature of the SMART project is the incorporation of Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) equipment within the telecommunication infrastructure.
This technology allows for the integration of all major telecommunication operators, including CelcomDigi, U-mobile, YTL, and Maxis (enabled with TM Unifi domestic roaming), to offer their services through a unified infrastructure.
The inclusion of MOCN elevates the quality and reliability of telecommunication services in rural Sarawak.
On his schedule, on the first day (Oct 25), the delegation made an official visit to SDEC SMART telecommunication towers located in Sg Segan and Sg Silas here.
Following this, there is a planned visit to the SMART tower located in Kuala Tatau here on Oct 26.
Subsequently, the programme will continue with visits to other project sites in Bintulu under the purview of the ministry.
