KUALA LUMPUR: Serba Dinamik Group Bhd, a provider of internet access through local satellite technology, has installed a proof of concept for Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite internet access in Betutai village in Tuaran, Sabah.
This would enable the community in some focused areas in Betutai to enjoy internet service through WiFi facilities for free during a trial period of at least two months, said Serba Dinamik in a statement.
The technical testing was supported by the Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM) of the Sabah Chief Minister's Department and local company Bumi Bakti Gemilang Sdn Bhd, which will provide training and awareness programmes to the local community on space technology in communication.
The testing was launched by Sabah Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Yakub Khan recently.
Also present were Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) director for Sabah and Labuan Izani Othman.
Yakub said internet usage among the people in Sabah had increased since the Covid-19 pandemic.
"With the advent of this technology, people without broadband coverage can access information more quickly and easily. Due to the simple and flexible installation of VSAT satellite hardware, this can indirectly create opportunities and enhance the skills of local talent in the satellite industry," he said in the statement.
This was in line with the aspirations of the Sabah government, Serba Dinamik and Bumi Bakti to provide infrastructure facilities and digital transformation for the people in the state, Yakub added.
Once testing is completed, Serba Dinamik and Bumi Bakti will introduce an affordable WiFi data plan under the SurFiBah Internet VSAT package for the community there.
The companies will provide a simple plan for internet data coupons for sales agents in stages.
They will also work with local agencies such as the state MCMC and UPPM to identify potential areas for internet satellite access in the next phase.