High-speed internet is now available to 750 villages in Kg Mantus and Kg Malubang, Sabah

Official Launch of CONNECTme NOW by Datuk Seri Hajiji, Chief Minister at Kampung Mantus Sabah, yesterday.

KUALA LUMPUR 11 April - Following the recent success of satellite broadband rollout in several remote villages earlier this year, Sabah Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and MEASAT Global Berhad (MEASAT) in joint efforts had successfully deployed the CONNECTme NOW service in Kampung Mantus and Kampung Malubang, Sabah.

Launched by the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, this initiative is part of the State Government’s ongoing plan to urgently provide internet access across rural areas.

With the first 300GB sponsored by the State Government, the people in these remote communities are finally connected to the Internet via CONNECTme NOW, a community-based prepaid broadband service, easing their daily activities.

“One of the priorities of the State Government is ensuring access to information and economic opportunities for the people of Sabah without discrimination and separation on any grounds” said Hajiji during the
launch at Kampung Mantus, Sabah.

“The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the importance of strong, sustainable and dependable broadband access. Everyone has to go online for work, education and information. The Government of Malaysia has
recognized this by allocating RM3.2bil to improve communication infrastructure in Sabah as part of the nation’s Jalinan Digital Negara (“JENDELA”) initiative”, he concluded.

CONNECTme NOW employs Very Small Aperture Terminal (“VSAT”) and High Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology to enable strategic places within Kampung Mantus and Kampung Malubang, Sabah with internet connectivity.

These VSAT terminals along with WiFi hotspot equipment enable villagers within a 100m radius to receive broadband services. Villagers can access the internet through Prepaid Access Code (PAC) vouchers, with no contract or fixed monthly charges.

“We have been working hard to build and upgrade internet facilities, especially in rural areas. The response from our communities is positive. Being connected to reliable and affordable broadband has become a necessity for the economic vitality of communities of all sizes,” added Datuk Yakub Khan, Sabah Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

“The ability of MEASAT to rapidly roll-out its services within a very tight timeline means that we can deliver unmatched, high-speed broadband services to our rural communities when they are most needed”.

“MEASAT is honoured to be able to support the vision and mission of KSTI and MCMC in bridging the digital divide across the state of Sabah,” said Yau Chyong Lim, Chief Operating Officer, MEASAT. 

“To date, we have successfully deployed CONNECTme NOW services for over 150,000 people nationwide including in rural Sabah. We are thankful for KSTI and MCMC’s support that enabled us to complete the network expansion despite pandemic challenges. Now families, school going children and business can be online and productive in creating their best future”, Yau concluded.

CONNECTme NOW is Malaysia’s premier prepaid satellite broadband WiFi Hotspot service by MEASAT. CONNECTme NOW has been making waves in providing community-focused satellite broadband services to realize national broadband aspirations.

Today, CONNECTme NOW is rapidly connecting unconnected communities residing outside of 4G or terrestrial coverage nationwide thus empowering them to be
part of the digital economy.

MEASAT’s ability to deliver High-Speed Satellite Broadband nationwide makes it a strategic partner to support the Government’s aspirations through JENDELA which aims to achieve 100% 4G coverage in populated areas.

Recognizing the importance of access to communications and bridging the digital divide, MEASAT has recently invested RM1.2 billion to build its next-generation satellite, MEASAT-3d to improve its support of cost-effective high-speed broadband with up to 100 Mbps speeds in areas without any
terrestrial network and ensure no Malaysian is left behind in the digital age. - DagangNews.com