KUCHING, Nov 24: School children at Nanga Sumpa are now able to resume their online education and local villagers stay connected with the outside world, thanks to Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology.
In a press statement today, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) announced the rollout of a satellite broadband Internet connectivity solution by one of its contractors, Reach10, as part of the latter’s corporate social responsibility initiative to address the plight of the school children of Ng Sumpa in Batang Ai, Lubok Antu.
“We realise that we have the capability to quickly resolve the connectivity issue for these children and we are thrilled to be able to make a difference to them and the villagers there,” said Leo Chin, Reach10 chief executive officer.
Nanga Sumpa has long been one of Sarawak’s premier eco-tourism attractions, well-known for its community tourism initiative, pristine landscape and wild orang-utan watching. It is a one-and-a-half hours’ longboat ride from the Batang Ai Lake, with no road access.
“Nevertheless, we are aware of the fact that there are many areas in Sarawak especially in the rural areas that have not received comprehensive and stable communication coverage due to geographical and technical challenges,” said SMA general manager Dr Zaidi Razak.
He disclosed, as a continuation of this initiative, SMA would strive to roll out the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (SALURAN) 200 project to targeted villages such as Nanga Jambu by February, next year. — DayakDaily
