Sabah Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (“KSTI”), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (“MCMC”) and MEASAT Global Berhad (“MEASAT”) has deployed, CONNECTme NOW, a community-based prepaid broadband service, in Kampung Mantus and Kampung Malubang, Sabah.
This is part of the state government’s initiative to intensify internet connectivity in rural areas and the continuation of recent satellite broadband rollout in several remote villages earlier this year.
Sabah is sponsoring the first 300 GB for this new broadband which will benefit 250 villages in Kampung Mantus and 500 villagers in Kampung Malubang.
“One of the priorities of the state government is ensuring access to information and economic opportunities for the people of Sabah without discrimination and separation on any grounds,” Chief Minister of Sabah, Hajiji Noor, said during the launch.
“The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the importance of strong, sustainable and dependable broadband access. Everyone has to go online for work, education and information,” he added.
CONNECTme NOW employs Very Small Aperture Terminal (“VSAT”) and High Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology to enable strategic coverage within those areas.
These VSAT terminals along with WiFi hotspot equipment enable villagers within a 100m radius to receive broadband services. Villagers can use Prepaid Access Code (PAC) vouchers to access the internet without signing a contract or paying a monthly fee.
“MEASAT’s ability to quickly roll out services on a tight schedule shows we can provide unrivaled high-speed broadband services to our rural communities at a time when they are most needed,” Yakub Khan, Sabah Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation said.
To date, MEASAT has successfully deployed CONNECTme NOW services for over 150,000 people nationwide including in rural Sabah.
