By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Oct 13: The Luban Ulu SMART Telecommunication Tower in Betong is the first in Malaysia to have Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) application under the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA)’s 300-tower programme.
SMA in a statement revealed four mobile service providers namely Celcom, Maxis, Digi and U-Mobile now use its core network capability as a singular gateway to cater to the respective mobile service provider’s user base.
This, it added, was against the conventional approach of each mobile service provider installing their own home network system on a telecommunication tower.
“With the deployment of 3G or 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 3km radius,” SMA general manager Zaidi Razak disclosed in the statement.
He explained that the MOCN platform approach was deliberately chosen given the operational complexity and cost structure of rural telecommunication deployment.
Such a platform will not only optimise resources but it is affordable to install, maintain and upgrade.
Similarly, Zaidi revealed the rest of SMA’s 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 Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Sept 26.
“SMA 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 (MCMC) and mobile service providers to provide and enhance digital connectivity in rural Sarawak”, Zaidi added. — DayakDaily
