Latest news with #MySRBN
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak in talks with MCMC to boost MySRBN using Jendela infrastructure
Julaihi speaking to reporters after officiating the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak at BCCK today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (July 9): The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication is in ongoing discussions with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to expand the reach of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) service by tapping into the federal-led Jendela tower infrastructure. Its Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the initiative aims to strengthen internet coverage in rural Sarawak by leveraging both state and federal telecommunication towers. 'In fact, at the moment, MySRBN is using the infrastructure provided by SMART towers. But we have also spoken to MCMC to allow MySRBN to utilise Jendela towers,' he told reporters when met at the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today. He explained that the locations for both SMART and Jendela towers do not overlap, presenting an opportunity to improve coverage by integrating both networks. 'Where there is a SMART tower, we don't place a Jendela tower. So we have different locations. To ensure better coverage, we are proposing that MySRBN not only use towers provided by SMART but also those under Jendela,' he said. Julaihi noted that MCMC has responded positively to the proposal, describing the commission as an equal partner with a shared goal of expanding internet coverage in rural areas. Earlier in his opening remarks, Julaihi reaffirmed the state's commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas through investments in digital infrastructure and programmes like MySRBN. 'My ministry is directly involved in providing digital infrastructure that is very much needed, especially in rural areas, as part of our strategy to bring them into the mainstream of development,' he said. He revealed that Sarawak has injected RM2.3 billion to complement federal efforts in improving connectivity, particularly through the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). A total of 618 SMART towers are being constructed across the state under the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) initiative. 'To date, 603 out of 618 SMART towers have been completed, with 502 already active or 'on air', and 405 activated in stages using Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology,' he said. The MOCN approach, he explained, enables multiple telecommunication providers — including CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL and TM — to share tower infrastructure, ensuring broader and more flexible network coverage. Julaihi highlighted that MySRBN, introduced in March 2021, uses Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to deliver high-speed internet to previously unconnected rural communities. As of now, 32,000 homes in Sarawak are connected to MySRBN. 'MySRBN stimulates economic growth in rural Sarawak. One of the impacts we've seen is the creation of new opportunities for local entrepreneurs to engage in online business,' he said. He added that efforts are underway to promote the service more widely. 'We are still conducting extensive campaigns to expand MySRBN to all villages and longhouses in rural areas,' he said. Julaihi said a recent MySRBN campaign in Pulau Bruit was well received, indicating strong demand for the service among rural communities. 'I believe rural residents, especially those involved in MSMEs, will be able to participate more actively in the future if such connectivity infrastructure can be implemented more comprehensively,' he said. He reiterated that digital transformation depends not only on awareness but also on the physical infrastructure that enables participation. 'We are targeting around 7,000 towers across Sarawak to ensure full coverage by 2030. Right now, we've reached more than 5,000,' Julaihi said. He affirmed that the state government remains committed to ensuring rural communities are not left behind in Sarawak's digital economy goals, as outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Julaihi: 603 SMART towers completed in Sarawak, 502 now 'on-air'
Julaihi (seated centre) flanked by Ugak (right) and Wan Murdani in a group photo with participants during the launch of the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (July 9): A total of 603 out of 618 Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) telecommunication towers have been completed across Sarawak, with 502 of them already activated or 'on-air', and 405 progressively equipped with advanced Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology. In disclosing this, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said digital transformation requires a strong infrastructure foundation. 'Therefore, the Sarawak Government launched the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) programme, which targets the construction of 600 4G telecommunication towers in rural and remote areas of Sarawak under the SMART project, managed by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). 'As of today, 603 out of 618 SMART towers have been completed, with 502 already activated or 'on-air', and 405 progressively equipped with advanced Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology. 'This MOCN technology allows major telecommunications companies such as CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL, and TM to provide their network services, enabling rural and remote communities to enjoy comprehensive coverage regardless of their chosen provider,' Julaihi said in his opening remarks at the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today. He added that the introduction of the SMART towers was further strengthened by the rollout of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), launched in March 2021. 'MySRBN leverages Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to deliver high-speed internet to rural communities that previously had no connectivity. 'To date, around 32,000 homes across Sarawak have been connected to MySRBN, and this number is expected to continue rising;' he said. Julaihi emphasised that MySRBN has stimulated economic growth by opening up new opportunities for rural entrepreneurs to engage in online business. He also stressed that successful digitalisation efforts must go beyond infrastructure and funding. 'Real digitalisation happens when communities possess strong digital literacy and the confidence to use technology in their daily lives,' he said. The BDI @ Sarawak event, jointly organised by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), and SDEC, serves as a strategic platform to promote digitalisation, especially among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Julaihi commended MDEC, MINTRED, SDEC, and all partners involved in the initiative, expressing hope that the programme would serve as a catalyst for further digital transformation across Sarawak. He underscored the importance of grassroots-level engagement and capacity building, pointing to training programmes conducted by SDEC based on community needs. 'Today's initiative is the beginning of a larger movement — one to ensure that every MSME in Sarawak is given equal opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced digital economy. 'Our goal is to create an inclusive, sustainable and competitive digital landscape — not just for today, but for future generations,' he added. Also present were Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) head of digital adoption Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Julaihi: Sarawak in talks with MCMC to boost MySRBN using Jendela infrastructure
Julaihi speaking to reporters after officiating the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak at BCCK today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (July 9): The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication is in ongoing discussions with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to expand the reach of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) service by tapping into the federal-led Jendela tower infrastructure. Its Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the initiative aims to strengthen internet coverage in rural Sarawak by leveraging both state and federal telecommunication towers. 'In fact, at the moment, MySRBN is using the infrastructure provided by SMART towers. But we have also spoken to MCMC to allow MySRBN to utilise Jendela towers,' he told reporters when met at the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today. He explained that the locations for both SMART and Jendela towers do not overlap, presenting an opportunity to improve coverage by integrating both networks. 'Where there is a SMART tower, we don't place a Jendela tower. So we have different locations. To ensure better coverage, we are proposing that MySRBN not only use towers provided by SMART but also those under Jendela,' he said. Julaihi noted that MCMC has responded positively to the proposal, describing the commission as an equal partner with a shared goal of expanding internet coverage in rural areas. Earlier in his opening remarks, Julaihi reaffirmed the state's commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas through investments in digital infrastructure and programmes like MySRBN. 'My ministry is directly involved in providing digital infrastructure that is very much needed, especially in rural areas, as part of our strategy to bring them into the mainstream of development,' he said. He revealed that Sarawak has injected RM2.3 billion to complement federal efforts in improving connectivity, particularly through the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). A total of 618 SMART towers are being constructed across the state under the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) initiative. 'To date, 603 out of 618 SMART towers have been completed, with 502 already active or 'on air', and 405 activated in stages using Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology,' he said. The MOCN approach, he explained, enables multiple telecommunication providers — including CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL and TM — to share tower infrastructure, ensuring broader and more flexible network coverage. Julaihi highlighted that MySRBN, introduced in March 2021, uses Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to deliver high-speed internet to previously unconnected rural communities. As of now, 32,000 homes in Sarawak are connected to MySRBN. 'MySRBN stimulates economic growth in rural Sarawak. One of the impacts we've seen is the creation of new opportunities for local entrepreneurs to engage in online business,' he said. He added that efforts are underway to promote the service more widely. 'We are still conducting extensive campaigns to expand MySRBN to all villages and longhouses in rural areas,' he said. Julaihi said a recent MySRBN campaign in Pulau Bruit was well received, indicating strong demand for the service among rural communities. 'I believe rural residents, especially those involved in MSMEs, will be able to participate more actively in the future if such connectivity infrastructure can be implemented more comprehensively,' he said. He reiterated that digital transformation depends not only on awareness but also on the physical infrastructure that enables participation. 'We are targeting around 7,000 towers across Sarawak to ensure full coverage by 2030. Right now, we've reached more than 5,000,' Julaihi said. He affirmed that the state government remains committed to ensuring rural communities are not left behind in Sarawak's digital economy goals, as outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
Borneo Post
01-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SMART project sees 582 telecommunications towers in Sarawak completed, 90.2 pct coverage reached
Julaihi said of the 582 completed towers, 481 are already operational. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 1): A total of 582 out of 618 telecommunications towers planned under the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Transformation (SMART) project have been completed, with the remaining 36 still under construction as of May 31. Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said of the 582 completed towers, 481 are already operational. These include 420 towers offering both Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) broadband services and 4G mobile connectivity via Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology, 55 providing MySRBN-only access, and six serving as repeater sites. 'This marks a major milestone in our mission to enhance digital connectivity and bridge the digital divide across Sarawak. 'The current internet coverage by settlement stands at 90.2 per cent and is expected to reach 93.6 per cent by the end of 2025,' he said in a speech delivered by ministry deputy permanent secretary Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shahab for Digital Technology Nexus 2025 (DigitalNEXUS) organised by Universiti Sarawak Malaysia (Unimas) here today. Julaihi pointed out that Sarawak is among the earliest states to adopt 5G technology, with current Coverage of Populated Areas (Copa) reaching 63.8 per cent. 'The enhanced capabilities of 5G, such as higher speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity, are poised to revolutionise sectors including remote healthcare, industrial automation, transportation, smart cities, and entertainment,' he said. He added that the SMART initiative, one of the state's largest infrastructure projects, involves the rollout of 600 telecommunication towers and 18 repeater towers. Equipped with the MOCN system, it enables multiple telecommunications companies to share infrastructure, reducing costs and accelerating coverage expansion. To further enhance access, Julaihi said initiatives such as WiFi Saluran and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) have been introduced to provide wireless internet to rural and suburban households. 'Complementing these efforts, the state's homegrown MySRBN initiative plays a vital role in delivering fixed wireless broadband to households, schools, and clinics in underserved areas, supporting e-learning, small businesses, telemedicine, and digital public services,' he added. The SMART initiative and expanding 5G coverage are part of Sarawak's broader digital transformation efforts aligned with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. julaihi narawi lead Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Transformation
The Star
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak's Internet coverage set to reach 93.6% by year-end
KUCHING: Sarawak's Internet coverage is expected to reach 93.6% by the end of this year with the completion of more telecommunication towers, says Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi. The state's Utility and Telecommunication Minister said internet coverage in the state was at 90.2%. "As of May 31, out of the planned 618 towers, 582 have been completed, with the remaining 36 currently in progress," he said at the opening of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak's Digital Nexus conference here on Tuesday (July 1). His speech was read by the ministry's deputy permanent secretary, Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shahab. Julaihi said of the 481 completed towers, 420 provide both Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) and 4G mobile services, 55 towers provide MySRBN services only and six were functioning as repeater sites. Julaihi also mentioned that 5G coverage in populated areas of Sarawak stood at 63.8%. He also said that Sarawak was planning to build the Kota Petra Green Technology Park at a 1,214ha site near the Demak Laut Industrial Park and Senari Port here. It would function as a hub for green industries, data centres, advanced technologies and sustainable growth. "Among its key features is a 300-megawatt solar farm," he said.
