Minister witnesses first-hand progress of SDEC SMART projects in Bintulu – SDEC | Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad

BINTULU, 25 OCTOBER 2023 – YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, and his delegation arrived in Bintulu earlier this morning for a three-day official visit.

On the first day, the delegation made an official visit to Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) SMART (Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication) telecommunication towers located in Sg Segan and Sg Silas. This will be followed by a visit to the SMART tower located in Kuala Tatau the next day.

The working visit is to update and share on the progress and transformative impact of SMART, which aims to bridge the digital divide and provide seamless 4G coverage to the rural areas of Sarawak. An initiative by the Sarawak State government, the project consists of erecting 600 telecommunication towers across the state to deliver high-speed mobile internet access and enable the community to participate in the digital economy.

*YB Dato Sri Julaihi on site to inspect the SMART telecommunication tower*

A pivotal feature of the SMART project is the incorporation of Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) equipment within the telecommunication infrastructure. This technology allows for the integration of all major telecommunication operators, including CelcomDigi, U-mobile, YTL, and Maxis (enabled with TM Unifi domestic roaming), to offer their services through a unified infrastructure. The inclusion of MOCN elevates the quality and reliability of telecommunication services in rural Sarawak.

Also a fundamental component of the SMART project is the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) that provides fast wireless internet to homes in suburban and rural areas. MySRBN leverages Fixed Wireless Broadband (FWB) technology, both on existing and new infrastructure. To date, 805 premises in the Bintulu division are already connected to MySRBN services.

YB Dato Sri Julaihi said that the SMART project is a testament to the Sarawak State government’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all its residents. By bolstering telecommunication infrastructure and 4G coverage, SMART will open doors to education, healthcare, e-commerce, and a plethora of digital services for rural communities, firmly positioning Sarawak within the global digital infrastructure.

*Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman (left) and Ts. Hamadlan Hamdan (2^nd right) of SDEC accompanying YB on site*

The programme continued with YB Dato Sri Julaihi and entourage visiting other project sites in Bintulu under the purview of the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak.