In bid to get broadband access to the underserved where conventional telecommunication operator have been struggling especially in remote locations, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is only left with satellite as a viable option. But this is known to be an expensive solution and user tapping into this service will surely be burdened with a hefty bill.
However under the JENDELA program where the government agency has assured no Malaysians will be left behind in the nations connectivity agenda, the satellite service to these remote location will be provided for free. A resounding yes can be heard on this initiative, before this can be implemented MCMC has called for a tender for potential supplier who can fulfill this request.
The request is for provisioning of broadband access services using satellite at 839 locations nationwide in Johor, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak. These locations comprise of Orang Asli settlements in Peninsular Malaysia, and remote areas in Sabah and Sarawak where the provisioning of public cellular services and mobile broadband will take a considerable time to deploy, given the consideration of population density and geographical terrain. Peninsular Malaysia has 178 locations (21%), whilst Sabah has 138 locations (17%) and Sarawak has 523 locations (62%).
Part of the requirement is for it to be successfully deployed by October 2021 this year, to serve as an expedient solution for connectivity while waiting for the completion of permanent solutions.
After which the population at each location are to receive free WiFi at an average speed of 35Mbps which will highly benefit the community and the national agenda in closing the digital gap.
