SIBU, NOV 15 - Sibu folk can look forward to enjoying 5G network service soon as Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) has proposed 70 5G sites here. 

Speaking at a press conference here yesterday, DNB general manager for Sabah and Sarawak, Choo Meng Chung, said this riverine town is among the places that will have 5G service. 

"In Sarawak, we (DNB) are committed to invest RM1 billion in 10 years' time and for Sibu, DNB has proposed 70 5G sites," Choo said in response to a question from Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, who wanted to know if there is a 5G rollout plan for Sibu. 

According to Ting, like any Sibu folk, he read with concern the announcement in the newspapers that 5G rollout is only in Kuching, Bintulu and Miri. 

"As (GPS) candidate for Sibu parliamentary seat, I am very concerned about the announcement in the newspapers - they keep saying Kuching, Bintulu and Miri but somehow, they missed out Sibu. And then, that is why on this 5G matter, I am very concerned - not just myself - I am in (Wisma) Sanyan (SMC office) up there - the reception is terrible also... so, it is not only the young peolpe are affected, I am also affected. 

"That is why it is crucial for us to make announcement on this matter because (from) the impression of the news, (as if) Sibu does not have any (5G rollout plan) but actually, work is already going on. As SMC chairman, we will definitely work closely with DNB on this matter so that in Sibu, we will get 5G (service) as soon as possible. 

"There are 70 (5G) sites proposed (by DNB) and when I heard this, I was very excited about it. This is because it (5G service) is for everyone in Sibu and is very close to my heart," added Ting. 

Asked if the proposed 70 5G sites are spread accros Sibu, he said DBN will officially write to SMC and that both parties will work closely to ensure smooth implementation.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) head of Licensing, Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit, Steward Sayong, informed that the 5G development comes in few phases. 

He recalled phase 1 started in the fourtj quarter of this year, which was September, when SMA received 5G network connectivity proposal from DNB, under which 339 sites will be developed in three divisions; namely Kuching, Miri and Bintulu.

"Starting from January 2023, phase 2 will be rolled out and under phase 2, the 5G development will cover all division including Sibu," informed Steward.

"We would like to record our appreciation to DNB because based on their state planning for this 5G rollout, ther prioritise 5G development in Sarawak," he added.

Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Micheal Tiang, meanwhile, assured that ministry together with local authorities like SMC will assist DNB and SMA with regard to the proposed sites to ensure there is no blind spot. 

"As you know for 5G connectivity, we need to be closer to the users and roadsides."

Tiang opined that 5G will be a game changer and that Sibu needs to have 5G connectivity for it to become a smart city. 

Source: The Borneo Post