KOTA KINABALU – A permanent solution is needed to address rural internet access as the proposed very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) technology in Ranau is expensive, unreliable, and old, said Senator Adrian Lasimbang.
“VSAT is not a permanent solution for internet access. It is an interim solution until a more permanent solution comes along.
“The federal government should consider more advanced technology, such as long-range WiFi, and even seriously consider investing in extending fibre optic cables to strategic locations before connecting villages through mini towers.
“The technology is available out there. The government only needs to invest money to allow local entrepreneurs and innovators to develop it,” said Lasimbang.
The VSAT technology was proposed by the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission with state-backed Common Tower Technologies Sdn Bhd as a temporary solution to the internet problems in the remote Kg Gusi in Ranau.
This comes after three pupils were injured in the village after falling 15m from a suspension bridge – the only place they could get internet access – when its cable snapped.
Lasimbang, who is Sabah DAP political education director, said the RM500 million allocation to upgrade the country’s internet infrastructure stipulated under Jalinan Digital Negara is unsatisfactory.
“I was expecting the ministry to be more serious in addressing this pertinent issue, not just rebranding exercises by introducing plans with new names but the same content.” – The Vibes, December 23, 2020
