Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (CU)_ According to Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Communications and Multimedia Minister, the newly-launched MEASAT-3d satellite is essential for Malaysia to accomplish its 100 percent Internet coverage goal by 2025 and enhance the quality of its broadband services. He also stated that the satellite’s services will be available within a few months.
After witnessing the live feed of the launch ceremony at the World Trade Centre early in the morning, the minister addressed the reporters saying, “So, there are two important aspects relating to the launch of the satellite today. Firstly, it will enable us to achieve 100 percent Internet coverage for all populated areas before 2025”. He added, “And secondly, we will be able to improve the quality of broadband services, improve high-speed services to be as good as the fiber optic network that we are implementing in developed areas”.
At 5.50 am Malaysian Standard Time, the MEASAT-3d satellite was launched into orbit by the MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd (MEASAT) on an Ariane-5 rocket from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, South America. MEASAT-3d, the eighth and most sophisticated satellite of MEASAT, comes with a price tag of RM1.2 billion and a lifespan of 18 years. It is anticipated to boost the communication services of Malaysia and other regional nations. In keeping with the government’s ambitions through the National Digital Network (JENDELA) strategy, it is also intended to bridge the digital connection gap and establish a better connectivity future for Malaysians.
Annuar stated that the launch was a momentous occasion and highly crucial to the government’s objective to successfully implement the JENDELA project and the Malaysian Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL). According to him, under the JENDELA 1 initiative, which used fiber optic networks to connect populous regions, the nation had an expected Internet access of up to 97% in populated areas and the balance 3% were in rural regions. He said, “We definitely require the use of satellite technology for the rural areas. We are already using satellite technology now but the existing satellites are offering broadband services of low capacity and low speed…mostly less than 10 Mbps (megabyte per second), but MEASAT-3d satellite will be able of providing broadband services of between 35 Mbps to 100 Mbps to those areas”.
According to Annuar, the MEASAT-3d satellite services would be offered to Malaysians following the conclusion of the testing period, which may take upto one month. He stated that Internet connection to rural regions was already included in the MyDIGITAL blueprint and that his ministry had also developed a plan to guarantee 100 percent Internet coverage in the country with a minimum speed of 35 Mbps by 2025. He said, “The goals in the blueprint will be fully achieved with the launch of MEASAT-3d today”.
In the meantime, Datuk Seri Mohamad Mentek, secretary-general of the Communications and Multimedia Ministry (K-KOMM), appreciated MEASAT for launching the MAESAT-3d satellite. He stated that the launch will improve the internet connection throughout Malaysia, particularly in rural regions. During a press conference at Kourou, he said, “This will help the country achieve the goal of bridging the digital connectivity gap between rural and urban areas as outlined in the JENDELA plan”. He added, “With access to high-speed Internet throughout the country, all Malaysians will enjoy access to the socio-economic benefits powered by the Internet, including engaging in e-commerce activities”.
According to Mohammad, with the launch of the satellite, Malaysia will be able to support numerous small and medium companies (SMEs), particularly those in rural regions, to participate in e-commerce. He said, “This indirectly can increase their income as well, as we know during the Covid-19 pandemic most of the SMEs are affected but the only groups that are not affected are those who are on board the e-commerce, whereby they do their businesses online”. He added, “Hopefully after this not just MEASAT, the other telcos also can complement this programme by introducing new products or new programmes for the people with cheaper packages and so on”.
