Kampung Gumpey folk to enjoy better internet connectivity

From left: Chin, Aman Akup, Zaidi and Jambot Saili at Kampung Gumpey’s WiFi Saluran signage. Photo: Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA)

GEDONG, Dec 12: Villagers in Kampung Gumpey here can now enjoy internet connectivity with the installation of a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) installed by Reach Ten Communication Sdn Bhd (Reach Ten).

According to Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) in a statement today quoting Reach Ten’s director Leo Chin, the VSAT installed at Dewan Masyarakat Kampung Gumpey has a coverage area of 80 to 100 metres in radius and can be utilised by 80 to 100 people concurrently.

“The installation of VSAT is a good interim solution for villagers with poor cellular coverage. There are many advantages of VSAT, particularly on how fast it can be installed and deployed; this can be done in a matter of hours,” he explained.

He disclosed that the company has installed over 200 VSATs under SMA’s WiFi Sarawak Linking Rural, Urban and Nation (Saluran) initiative at various locations throughout Sarawak, including in Lundu, Lawas, Bario, Ba’kelalan, Lubok Antu and Gedong, among others.

Meanwhile, SMA’s general manager Dr Zaidi Razak applauded Chin and his team for their commitment in assisting SMA to provide Internet connectivity to the local community around Sarawak.

He also thanked Chin and his team for including the installation of VSATs at several sites as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

He pointed out that such commitment contributes to Sarawak’s aspiration to ensure that the State will be fully connected by 2025.

“We are grateful to have committed and passionate service providers like Reach Ten.

“With the installation of VSATs at various locations throughout Sarawak, it is a good interim solution while waiting for the construction of telecommunication towers that would often take a longer duration and incur a high cost,” he said.

Zaidi stressed that SMA, together with its various service providers, will continue to ensure the success of implementing connectivity initiatives to benefit Sarawakians.

He added that the journey of digitalising and connecting Sarawak requires cooperation and collaboration from various stakeholders to achieve the State’s aspirations by 2030. — DayakDaily