KUCHING: Sarawak has achieved another significant milestone in its rural connectivity initiative with the state now having 4,447 completed telecommunication towers and structures after the physical completion of 512 Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) towers and 764 Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) towers.
According to Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, this remarkable achievement has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Sarawak government through its intervention programme.
In particular, he said, the state government has increased the allocation from RM1.89 billion to over RM2 billion for capital expenses.
Additionally, the Federal government and mobile network operators will collectively invest RM207 million to support the operational expenses of the towers for the next three years.
“This endeavour demonstrates the Sarawak government’s dedication to bridging the digital gap among Sarawakians, regardless of whether they reside in urban and rural areas, as well as ensuring that every region of Sarawak experiences the advantages of enhanced connectivity and effortless communication, particularly enabling people to participate in the digital economy,” he said in a press release on Tuesday.
Among the completed SMART towers, Dato Sri Julaihi said that 305 are already providing Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MYSRBN) services.
“Out of these, 211 are also providing 4G mobility via MOCN technology, while another 40 are scheduled to follow suit in batches for the upcoming Gawai Dayak celebration,” he added.
As for the completed JENDELA towers, he explained that 313 are offering 4G services equipped with MOCN technology as well.
MOCN is a network architecture that enables multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) to share a common infrastructure (Radio Access Networks) while maintaining separate services for the respective telcos.
The technology benefits end users by providing better coverage, seamless connectivity, increased competition, cost efficiency, and faster deployment of network infrastructure.
“Consequently, subscribers can enjoy access to mobile services from all major operators, such as CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL Communications, and TM Tech, in the covered areas,” said Dato Sri Julaihi. -UKASnews
