THE first phase of Sarawak’s plan to connect its rural population to the internet could be completed by the third quarter of next year, said Abang Johari Openg.

The chief minister said under its SMA300 telecommunication tower initiative, 300 towers would be built as part of its digital economy strategy.

To date, 184 towers have been completed, he said when opening the fourth edition of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

The first of these towers in Luban Ulu, Betong – some 200km from Kuching – entered full service on September 26 giving the rural community their 3G and 4G services.

The 3G or 4G services will be duplicated in other underserved areas as the towers go into service.

The rollout of the additional 300 plus towers in Phase 2 of SMA300 initiative is still in the planning stage.

Abang Johari, however, said when all the 636 planned towers are built, they will complement the existing national fibre and connectivity plan (JENDELA) initiatives of the federal government.

“This strategic partnership will realise the state’s vision of achieving 99.9% broadband coverage.”

In the meantime, and to accelerate the state’s internet connectivity to the rural communities, Abang Johari said free Wi-Fi connectivity has also been provided for a number of kampung and longhouses.

Through this initiative, each village or longhouse will share a bandwidth of 30mbps. – October 7, 2020.