On 30 June 2024, the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) launched the Sarawak Digital and Connectivity Day at the picturesque Kuching Waterfront. This landmark event showcased the state’s commitment to digital innovation and connectivity and highlighted the strides it is making toward a digitally inclusive future.
Celebrating Digital Innovations
The event served as a platform for various participating agencies to present their digital initiatives through engaging talks and demonstrations. The centrepiece was the introduction of the MySDEC application, which has been operational since August 2023. Designed exclusively for Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) users, MySDEC is a comprehensive lifestyle app offering features like account management, real-time updates, and digital services, including Sarawak Pay Global and online banking. This app epitomises SDEC’s dedication to bridging the digital divide and enhancing rural connectivity.
A new home prepaid package for MySRBN was also unveiled. Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, emphasised the significance of this enhanced service in providing high-speed Internet access to rural areas.
“The prepaid package is preloaded with 300MB of free data every month while the home device for the service will be provided for free. The usage of MySRBN is based on users’ needs. With 300MB of data, it is enough for basic communication such as WhatsApp text messages or voice calls,” he stated.
Once users exceed the free 300MB, they can continue enjoying the service at an affordable rate: RM5 per week for 200GB of data or RM20 per month for 1TB of data. This pricing, significantly subsidised by SDEC, reflects a commitment to making high-speed Internet accessible. Dato Sri Julaihi also announced free router and antenna installation for approved applicants, further enhancing the service’s appeal.
Empowering Rural Communities
Launched on a trial basis in March 2021, MySRBN has provided high-speed Internet to previously underserved rural communities. The upcoming service enhancement, set to launch on 7 July 2024, is expected to extend these benefits further.
SDEC Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi bin Haji Abdul Ghani highlighted MySRBN’s potential to stimulate economic growth by facilitating online business opportunities and expanding students’ access to educational resources.
“MySRBN leverages cutting-edge fixed wireless access (FWA) technology on existing and new infrastructure to provide up to 30 Mbps unlimited Internet access to rural and remote communities,” he explained.
Currently, 490 MySRBN sites serve 19,668 premises across Sarawak, with an additional 1,500 to 2,000 new registrations monthly. To maintain service, registered users must update their personal information via the MySDEC app, available on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery.
The event also introduced the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural, and Nation (SALURAN) initiative, which aims to expand Internet access to rural and remote communities. This initiative complements other SDEC efforts, such as the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) project, which includes constructing 600 SMART towers across Sarawak, promoting STEM programs, fostering an innovation ecosystem, and supporting MSME digitalisation.
Vision for a Digitally Connected Sarawak
Sarawak Digital and Connectivity Day featured an impressive lineup of talks and exhibitions from SDEC and its digital ecosystem partners, including the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), Sarawak Civil Service Digitalisation Unit (SCSDU), Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), and SPay Global. These presentations underscored the collective effort to drive Sarawak’s digital transformation and ensure inclusive access to digital services.
SDEC Chief Executive Officer Sudarnoto Osman, MUT Permanent Secretary Jafri Lias, and Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) General Manager Dato Ir Anderson Tiong Ing Heng were among the distinguished attendees at the launch.
The MySRBN Initiative: Bridging the Digital Divide
The MySRBN initiative is a pivotal part of Sarawak’s digital transformation strategy. It aims to tackle the long-standing issue of poor connectivity in rural areas by deploying Fixed Wireless Broadband (FWB) technology. This approach ensures a dedicated, high-speed broadband experience for consumers with limitless quotas, opening up numerous opportunities for rural communities.
Key goals of the MySRBN initiative include:
- Targeting 45,000 homes and public spaces.
- Offering affordable broadband packages.
- Providing unlimited access up to 30Mbps.
- Subsidising all homes through government support.
This ambitious project is set to transform Sarawak’s digital landscape and bridge the gap between urban and rural connectivity.
SALURAN: Expanding Telecommunication Coverage
The SALURAN initiative encompasses several components aimed at expanding telecommunications coverage in non-commercially viable areas of Sarawak. These include the SMA Rural Telecommunication Tower project, WIFI SALURAN, Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), the Fiberisation Project, the extension of SarawakNet, and the Sebauh-Bintulu High-Speed Broadband initiative. Each component is crucial in reducing the socioeconomic divide and enhancing digital inclusion in Sarawak’s rural communities.
Sarawak Digital and Connectivity Day marked a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards a digitally empowered future. With initiatives like MySRBN and SALURAN, Sarawak is well on its way to becoming a beacon of digital innovation and connectivity, ensuring no community is left behind in the digital age.
References:
“Perkhidmatan MySRBN Tingkat Ketersambungan Internet Kawasan Luar Bandar”
“MySRBN prepaid package to boost rural Internet access in Sarawak”
“S’WAK TO INTRODUCE MYRSBN HOME PREPAID PLAN, ADDITIONAL PACKAGE AS LOW AS RM5”
“Sarawak Rural Broadband Network gets 1,500 to 2,000 new signups every month”
“Pakej prabayar untuk penduduk luar bandar”
