Comprehensive internet access in Sarawak by 2024
The Federal Government is committed to comprehensive Internet access throughout the state of Sarawak by 2024, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
He said the target could be achieved through the implementation of the National Digital Interconnection Plan (JENDELA) Phase 2 with more than 600 villages in Sarawak, which will have access to the Internet using satellite technology.
It is clear that the 600 villages in Sarawak are among the 1,400 villages across the country, which have been identified as areas with less than satisfactory Internet access.
“If we want to wait for those 1,400 villages to install towers and fiber optic (to get Internet) we expect it will take 10 years and I think the people should not wait that long.
“That’s why under the Phase 2 WINDOW, Internet access should be accelerated by using satellite technology,” he said in a press conference after the PerantiSiswa handover ceremony here today.
At the ceremony, a total of 411 students from the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) Batu Lintang Campus and IPG Tun Abdul Razak Campus, received the device, in the Sarawak state level distribution session which started today.
As of today, the number of applications that have been approved for the state of Sarawak is 7,400 students.
Meanwhile, Annuar said that although the cost of providing Internet access using satellite technology is high, the Federal Government is willing to bear the expense.
It is clear that for now the cost estimate for the JENDELA Phase 2 program has not yet been finalized.
“Right now (WINDOW Phase 2) is in the process of completing the tender and the tender will be called this year as well. We expect the implementation to start in 2023,” he said.
source – BERNAMA
