KUCHING: Sarawak has rolled out a six-way Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN), allowing multiple telecommunications providers to share a single infrastructure and expand connectivity across underserved areas.
Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation’s (SDEC) Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sudarnoto Osman, said the model enables users to access network services regardless of their operator or SIM card used.
“Normally MOCN will have about two to three operators, but we introduced up to six.
“We have to ensure that all service providers are on board this network so that it becomes more ubiquitous for users, regardless of which service provider they are hooked on to,” he said during SDEC’s Media Appreciation Night at Cloud9 Sky Lounge, Impiana by Roxy Hotel, on Friday night (April 17).
He said the initiative is part of the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) project, which has been completed with more than 580 sites, forming the foundation for Sarawak’s digital connectivity.
Sudarnoto said the shared network model complements existing telecommunications services and helps bridge the gap between urban and rural areas.
At the same time, he noted that SDEC has expanded fibre-based fixed home broadband, with more than 8,000 homes connected so far.
He said broadband speeds have improved from about 30 Mbps using wireless to up to 100 Mbps with fibre.
“We are also trying to introduce 300 Mbps, hopefully by this year, to see whether there is demand from the areas that we are serving,” he said.
He added that most initiatives are focused on suburban and rural areas to ensure wider access to the digital economy.
