BARAM: A fund of RM200 million has been allocated for the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MYSRBN) to be implemented by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) at 150 locations.
In pointing out that the state government is using this to bridge the rural-urban digital development gap, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the locations of the facilities are rural areas that already have electricity provided through the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares).
“So far, 100 locations already have the facilities, leaving 50 to be developed. My plan is to have all of the networks completed by the end of this year,” he said during a press conference after officiating at the launch of MYSRBN at Long Terawan here today.
He explained that the programme was for implementation at locations where internet access had been established but had not reached the normal grid.
“These are isolated lines but when satellites are used, connectivity will be boosted. Special devices are used to do this,” he said, adding that the devices would be installed in areas where broadband services were often required such as schools and longhouses.
Early on in his speech, he said with effective broadband facilities, students could interact with teachers online while villagers could sell their produce through the internet.
He said Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) was a new method to connect to the internet used in rural areas.
He also pointed out that since he became chief minister, one of his key priorities was linking the rural and urban folk.
Also present at the event were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala; Baram MP Anyi Ngau; SDEC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani; and other representatives.
