MIRI: The Covid-19 pandemic has shown the importance of being digitally connected.
Demand for Internet access and fast bandwidth is increasing.
Without access or low speed, folk in rural areas, especially students and teachers, are struggling to keep up.
Recently, the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) agreed in principle to roll out projects to ramp up broadband connectivity to help connect rural communities.
According tp a joint statement, SMA Rural Transformation (SMART), a flagship project under the SMA, aimed to build 600 telco towers statewide.
“Of course, I am happy with this collaboration and am hoping that we can work together on this,” said Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
He described the collaboration as a significant milestone for both state and federal governments.
“The need for robust telco infrastructure in rural areas is escalating because students and teachers are doing online learning during the movement control order, and this facility is very much important for our children in rural areas.”
Telang Usan constituency comprise 88 settlements and only 16 of these settlements have telco towers.
However, the Internet connection within these 16 areas is slow, except for one in Long Bemang.
“I’ve listed out a total of 68 villages or longhouses within my constituency for telco coverage to help boost broadband penetration in Telang Usan,” Dennis pointed out.
He disclosed this today when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune.
