Luban Ulu SMART Telecommunication Tower, Betong

KUCHING, 13 October, 2020 – The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), today, highlighted the successful application of MOCN for its first SMART telecommunication tower under the SMA 300 tower programme.

Through the MOCN platform, the four mobile service providers; Celcom, Maxis, Digi and U-Mobile, now use the platform’s core network capability as a singular gateway to cater to the respective mobile service provider’s user base. This is against the conventional approach of each mobile service provider installing their own home network system on a telecommunication tower.

With the deployment of 3G/4G network coverage, the community in Luban Ulu, Betong now enjoys a rich internet experience. This is a marked improvement when compared to the past owing to weak and intermittent coverage.

Depending on the terrain, a SMART tower is capable of providing fast broadband speed coverage up to 3-km radius.

The MOCN platform approach was deliberately chosen given the operational complexity and cost structure of rural telecommunication deployment. Such platform not only optimises resources but it is affordable to install, maintain and upgrade.

Similarly, the rest of SMA 300 towers will be equipped with the same solutions, thus, offering cost-effective connectivity in low density areas.

The Luban Ulu SMART Telecommunication Tower was launched by the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg on 26th September, 2020.

“The Authority has always emphasised a close private-public sector relationship to enable Sarawak to leap frog into the digital economy. We will continue to synergise with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and mobile service providers to provide and enhance digital connectivity in rural Sarawak.”, enthused Dr Zaidi Bin Razak, General Manager of the Sarawak Multimedia Authority.