Reach Ten, CelcomDigi Team Up To Start Cellular Coverage In Rural Sarawak

KUCHING, April 30 (Bernama) -- Main Market-bound telecommunications service provider Reach Ten Holdings Bhd is collaborating with CelcomDigi Bhd to deliver cellular coverage to underserved rural communities in Sarawak through low energy, low cost and high data load small cell base station services. 

Reach Ten said in a statement today that the collaboration leverages satellite technology as the cost-effective option to overcome Sarawak’s challenging terrain and dispersed population, where it would significantly reduce time and efforts required to deploy 4G networks.

"Under the strategic partnership, Reach Ten will provide comprehensive satellite backhaul infrastructure and SatCell devices, while CelcomDigi’s spectrum will be utilised to deliver 4G service," it said. 

As a tier-one satellite service provider with nearly two decades of experience in deploying satellite technology to remote locations in Sarawak, Reach Ten can seamlessly integrate CelcomDigi’s reliable 4G network services, as well as deliver and install SatCell satellite system on site. 

In addition to reducing capital expenditure and accelerating rollout, satellite backhaul also speeds up internet connectivity provision in rural Sarawak as it does not require numerous local authorities’ approval in conventional infrastructure, such as approval of land access. 

Reach Ten managing director Leo Chin said the collaboration aligns closely with both Sarawak’s and the federal government’s digital growth agendas and supports their mission to deliver fast and affordable internet to all, regardless of location. 

“With this collaboration, cost-effective 4G network services will be available anywhere in Sarawak. The only time factor for delivery of internet services would be the time required to travel to the remote areas,” he said. 

CelcomDigi Head of Region (Sarawak) Enterprise Business, Yvonne Tan, said it is excited to provide seamless internet connectivity to the whole of Sarawak, riding on Reach Ten’s expertise in satellite services. 

“The collaboration opens up huge possibilities for our communities, from connectivity to education and entrepreneurship, using internet as an essential tool in this age of big data, internet-of-things and artificial intelligence,” she added.

-- BERNAMA