Sarawak goes its own way to get rural areas online

 The premier, Abang Johari Openg, says the state cannot rely solely on commercial telecommunications providers and was looking into space-based connections for the future.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the state may eventually require its own nano satellites to support future connectivity and data storage systems. (Ukas pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Sarawak government will work to improve internet speed and connectivity in rural areas through state flagship telecommunications provider Sacofa Sdn Bhd, as it cannot rely solely on commercial entities to do so, says the premier, Abang Johari Openg.

Abang Johari said Sarawak is also looking beyond dependence on optical fibre as part of its long-term plan, with cloud-based systems, low earth orbit connectivity and nano satellites among the future technologies being considered.

He said the state may eventually require its own nano satellites to support future connectivity and data storage systems.

“We are studying technology involving low earth orbit connectivity. I need to determine how long we can continue relying on fibre optics, but my target is (to transition beyond that by) 2030,” he said.

Abang Johari said the state government was using Sacofa as the backbone “because most of the infrastructure is already there”.

“Through Sacofa, we hope to improve internet speeds and connectivity,” Borneo Post quoted him as saying in Siburan.

He said private operators face limitations in expanding infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, because they operate on a commercial basis.

“The market is very small, but costs are quite high. We cannot depend on them now,” he said. - FMT