Perak wants to expand Starlink satellite internet facility to rural areas - Exco

KAMPAR - The state government intends to expand the usage of Starlink satellite internet device in the effort to provide better broadband facilities to the people, especially in rural Perak.

State Communications, Multimedia and Non-governmental Organisations Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said the use of mobile devices not only resolves the broadband access issues but also creates broader and faster access to information for the people.

"We welcome discussions with the Communications and Digital Ministry to expand the Starlink usage in rural areas.

"However, several challenges should be looked into such as the cost to purchase the Starlink devices and internet access speed,” he told reporters after launching Press Rider, a website under the Department of Journalism of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar), here, today.

On Aug 24, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim approved the installation of the satellite internet facility to provide stable internet access to 435 Orang Asli in Kampung Tonggang, Hulu Kinta.

Meanwhile, Mohd Azlan said 105 telecommunication towers under phase two of the National Digital Network (Jendela) plan in the state are expected to be fully completed by the end of the year.

He said the challenges facing the construction of the towers involve land ownership issues and other problems that require time to be resolved.

"We are also aware that some areas still have no access, which has been brought to the attention of the ministry,” he said.

On the Press Rider website, Mohd Azlan praised Utar’s effort to convey quality information to its students and local communities.

"In an increasingly complex world that is rapidly changing, the Press Rider website will undoubtedly be a crucial platform for delivering trusted and relevant news.

"I hope this platform will continue to expand, strengthen the integrity of the media industry and have a positive impact on society,” he added. - BERNAMA