By the end of 2021, 150 villages across the State will have access to high-speed broadband connectivity.
According to the Sarawak Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, this is achievable through the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN).
During the launching of MySRBN at Long Terawan in Mulu this year (2021), Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari describe it as a programme for areas of which internet has been set up but does not reach the normal grid, and thus by using the satellite, it will push up the connectivity because it is using a special device.
MySRBN is a Sarawak Digital Transformation initiative by the Sarawak Government under the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), as part of the state’s effort to provide high-speed broadband connectivity across suburban and rural areas in Sarawak to accelerate the state’s digital transformation.
The targets of MySRBN project are;
- Targeting 45,000 homes and public spaces for strong connectivity via 150 rural sites.
- Affordable broadband packages for residents in each site.
- Unlimited access up to 30Mbps internet speed among residents.
- All homes to be subsidized by the government beyond the initial period.
To implement this, an allocation of RM200 million for the SDEC to set up 150 sites, covering the southern region, the central region and the northern region of Sarawak.
As of June 2021, the MySRBN has been implemented in 100 areas with 50 more to go.
Using the Fixed Wireless Broadband (FWB) technology solution, the network would provide broadband speed of 30 megabits per second.
It is a way of providing wireless Internet access to homes or businesses through radio links between two fixed points without laying fibre and cables to provide last mile connectivity.
FWB technology refers to a wireless fronthaul transmission that provides a 3km radius coverage with clear line of sight to a dedicated user via point to multipoint.
The base station, or eNodeB, will be located at the existing structure, along with the antenna systems and ancillaries, while the Customer Premise Equipments (CPE), which will include the Outdoor (ODU) and Indoor Units (IDU), will be installed at the intended user or premise.
This technology allows for fast service rollout and a dedicated broadband experience for consumers with limitless quotas.
Upon registration, each consumer will get a free modem installation and basic access training.
As for the payment, every household will be charged at an affordable price.
Just like water and electricity, Internet connectivity is now considered as one of the basic human necessities.
However, having access to Internet connectivity is still an issue for many as only those living in the urban areas have complete access to Internet connectivity.
According to a report, 2021 World Social Report “Reconsidering Rural Development” that was issued by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), 67 per cent of people in low-income countries, and 60 per cent of lower-income countries, are rural.
Their overall number, estimated at 3.4 billion, represents roughly half the global population.
The report stated that Internet connectivity can raise the standard of living for approximately 3.4 billion people living in rural areas, without them having to migrate to cities.
To those living in the rural interior of Sarawak, having access to Internet connectivity is still a struggle as there are some parts that do not have any connectivity at all due to either poor coverage or because people just cannot afford it.
The issue is becoming more apparent especially during the Covid-19 pandemic as it has become apparent as the usage of internet services is encouraged for the purpose of studying and working from home as the new norm.
Students, home entrepreneurs and business owners who needs Internet connection to study and operate from home.
However, while the pandemic is threatening the rural populations, new technologies can enable rural populations to flourish, hence the importance of Internet connectivity.
In the education sector, internet access enables all students both in the rural and urban area to attend online classes so that no child is left behind in their education.
And although schools remain closed during the movement control order (MCO) period, home-based learning continues, where both students can learn and teachers can conduct online classes at ease without worrying about connectivity.
Within the economic sector, the usage of Internet is seen as both marketing and communication tool.
It is during the MCO period that there is a rise in the gig economy, where entrepreneurs in the rural areas can conduct online business and reach out to wider market across the globe.
Aside from that, in Sarawak, the agriculture sector is still one of the biggest economic and employment contributors to the people living in the rural areas.
The 2021 World Social Report “Reconsidering Rural Development” even acknowledges that more action is needed to boost agricultural productivity by improving infrastructure, using appropriate technology, providing incentives and increasing investments.
In Sarawak, in line with the state’s vision in transforming its economy and being in the forefront of the digital world, it is envisioned that the State will experience drastic changes over with the application of smart farming.
Through the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data, farmers will get to increase productivity in farming by operating and maintaining their irrigation equipment and condition of their farms remotely.
Thus, the implementation of MySRBN is a welcome gesture as apart from apart from accessibility, Internet connectivity must also be made affordable.
Those interested in applying for MySRBN, may visit https://mysrbn.doxapps.com/registration/
