UiTM to get 10 Starlink devices to boost campus internet: Fahmi

SHAH ALAM – Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) is getting 10 units of Starlink satellite devices as part of the government’s efforts to improve the quality of internet services at the university’s branch campuses.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said following a discussion with UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Roziah Janor, among the UiTM branches to receive the Internet service provider’s device would be the Kuala Pilah campus in Negri Sembilan.

“When the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) mentioned solving the internet problem using Starlink, I believe that for UiTM, there are a few campuses that can benefit from it, especially at the campuses in Kuala Pilah, as well as those in the states of Perak, Sabah and Sarawak.

“I hope that this week we will get at least 10 Starlink units, and I will discuss the handover with the Prime Minister’s Office,” he told reporters after inspecting the Internet access at the Shah Alam UiTM here today.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Fahmi stated that Starlink will make its services available at schools and higher education institutions first, in line with the prime minister’s announcement.

On July 15, the prime minister said the government plans to install 40 satellite internet devices from Starlink at higher education institutions around the country to help students who were unable to study due to unreliable Internet connectivity.

Anwar said the decision was made during his virtual meeting with SpaceX chief executive officer Elon Musk recently. – Bernama, July 23, 2023