BETONG: As many as 27 new telecommunication towers known as Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) have been developed within Betong parliamentary constituency.
First phase involves Luban Ulu, Tembawai Lubok, Kampung Buda, Graji Atas, Melabu Bair, Nanga Mara, Penurin, Nanga Buai Asal, Nanga Buai Melanjan, Meribong, Serudit, Bukit Bantas Danau, Suri Tengah, Ulu Bayor and Babu Sedebau.
The second phase meanwhile, would involve Debak longhouse, Pelepok, Kampung Mangut, Sebemban, Kaki Wong, Nanga Tapeh, Sungai Sibau, Bangkit Rembai, Kerapa Spak, Nanga Mara, Raba Tiput and Uching longhouse.
Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu stated that out of 27 SMART towers for both of the phases of the implementation, 15 of them, which are under phase one have been built completely but not been fully functional.
“As of right now, tower in Luban Ulu are ‘on air’ and I was informed by Ministry of Communication and Digital that Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation alongside service provider it is still held in a process of commercial negotiation which is also facilitated by Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“This would enable 4G services to be prepared at any towers under SDEC.
“The negotiation process alongside the development of the telecommunication equipment at phase one of SMART towers can be fully completed in the second quarter of 2023,” he told Suara Sarawak/New Sarawak Tribune recently.
He explained this during the recent debate of Budget 2023 at the Parliamentary sitting that Ministry of Communications and Digital said that second phase of SMART is expected to fully operational by the end of this year.
He also asked the agency to consider the necessity to speed up the building of the telecommunication facilities on the tower that has been built but there is no equipment yet.
In the answer by the ministry to him, the remaining 12 towers for phase two are still in the observation process by SDEC.
For the record, Sarawak government through Sarawak Multimedia Authority and SDEC has implemented the initiative of Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (SALURAN) in the efforts to widen the internet service in Sarawak.
Under the initiative of SALURAN, the state has developed over 600 new telecommunication towers known as SMART.
