KUCHING: Sacofa Sdn Bhd (Sacofa), Sarawak’s very own telecommunications infrastructure company, has launched its new platform Sacofa Open Fibre Infra Access (SOFIA), which will significantly raise the benchmark of high-quality broadband services in Sarawak. The launching ceremony was officiated at by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at Kuching Waterfront here at 9pm last Saturday. The open fibre-optic infrastructure platform is a turnkey solution that enables retail service providers (RSPs) to immediately link-up directly to Sacofa’s fibre-optic network and offer high-speed broadband services to end-users at competitive rates.
With the rollout of SOFIA, RSPs will be able to provide services to residential areas, commercial and office buildings, small-and-medium enterprises, large corporations and publicsector offices. Managing Director of SACOFA, Zaid Zaini, remarked: “We are excited to be here tonight as the debut of SOFIA is a pivotal landmark event not only for SACOFA but also for Sarawak. The launch of SOFIA is significant as the availability of basic broadband infrastructure is the cornerstone of ensuring the successful implementation of the digital economy in the State. “This is in line with the Chief Minister’s vision to spur economic growth through the digital economy and transform Sarawak into a developed high-income state.
“In the quest to make the Chief Minister’s vision a reality, SOFIA is our contribution to ensure high-speed broadband connectivity is available everywhere in the state,” he pointed out during the launching ceremony.
“SOFIA is essentially an enabler as it allows existing service providers such as Celcom and Reach 10 to offer broadband services in Sarawak. It is anticipated to attract reputable international players such as MyRepublic via DST, which will bring more affordable and competitive prices to Sarawak soon. With SOFIA in place and the entry of more service providers, high-speed connectivity will be available everywhere and Sarawakians will be able to enjoy an enhanced internet experience,” Zaid said.
SOFIA facilitates triple-play features consisting of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), and High-Speed Internet (HSI), which is a catalyst for increased adoption and utilisation of Internet of Things (IoT). The plat form has al ready been deployed in key areas in Sarawak such as Samalaju in Bintulu, Satok and The Isthmus in Kuching. Sacofa is currently in the process of deploying its fibre infrastructure across other areas in the State. This development facilitates the State Government’s target of achieving 95% broadband coverage in populated areas by 2020 and 100% coverage with a minimum throughput of 150mbps by 2030 as it develops the State’s digital economy.
