MCMC to expand use of Starlink in areas with poor Internet access

By The Star– Sep 02, 2023

A version of this article was first published on TheStar

JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will expand the installation of Starlink satellite devices nationwide in areas with poor Internet access.

Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said that MCMC had ordered 30 high-performance devices, of which 10 had been received so far.

Of the 10 devices, four have been installed at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kuala Pilah; Kampung Orang Asli Kemensah, Gombak; Kampung Orang Asli Tonggang in Tambun, Perak; and Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Temon, Johor Baru.

“MCMC is currently identifying other suitable locations throughout the country, including Sabah and Sarawak, which need better Internet access.

“We will discuss with the Education Ministry, the Health Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to identify suitable and necessary locations for us to install the devices. All this has not been finalised yet,” she told reporters after visiting the site installation of the Starlink satellite device in the Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Temon here on Saturday (Sept 2).

She said that it is the government’s wish that the this can serve as a temporary solution as efforts to improve Internet access nationwide continue.

Teo added that the Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Temon area is facing frequency interference due to its proximity to Singapore, which causes phones to connect to Singapore networks.

“With this facility, it will be able to improve Internet access for residents, especially in the learning sector of Orang Asli children,” she added.

Currently, one high-specification Starlink device costs RM11,613 and acts as a Wi-Fi Hotspot with a coverage distance of about 100m. – Bernama