By Ameerah Angelina
GOMBAK, 24 June 2022: Malaysia is on the road to achieve 100% internet access by 2025 with the successful launch of MEASAT-3d satellite that would improve Internet penetration rates in suburban and rural areas across the country.
Led by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry Secretary, General Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek, the MEASAT-3d satellite successfully launched into orbit from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana on 22 June 2022 at 5.50 am Malaysian time.
The MEASAT-3d is a Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO-type satellite) that is able to provide wide coverage and fast broadband services while supporting high data flow, also known as High Throughput Satellite (HTS).
Costing RM1.2 billion with a lifespan of 18 years, this is MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhds (MEASAT) eighth satellite and is considered to be the most advanced, comprehensive and complex satellite in MEASATs fleet.
Due to this, the successful launching of MEASAT-3d will help the government achieve its target of 100% internet access by 2025 as it will provide high-bandwidth services, especially in rural areas.
This satellite is expected to bridge the digital connectivity gap and shape a better connectivity future for Malaysians which is in line with the governments initiatives through the National Digital Network (JENDELA) plan and the Malaysian Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL).
In addition, the MEASAT-3d would also strengthen Malaysias presence in the digital era based on fixed-lines, mobile and satellite technologies without marginalising any group of people.
This satellite can also be utilised by other telecommunication service providers to offer data, voice and video services with cheaper packages to populations that have yet to be covered by fibre or wireless broadband connections, as offered by MEASAT through the CONNECTme NOW satellite broadband service.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa also mentioned after the live streaming of the launching ceremony, that services offered by the satellite can be utilised fully in just a couple of months after its launch.
He said that Malaysia will be able to improve the quality of broadband services and improve high-speed services to be as good as the fibre optic network that is implemented in developed areas.
Meanwhile, Communications and Multimedia Ministry (K-KOMM) secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek said that all Malaysians will be able to enjoy access to the socio-economic benefits powered by the internet which includes e-commerce activities, especially for those in rural areas.
The live streaming of the launching of this satellite at the Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob alongside 600 other guests consisting of several senior Malaysian government officials, private sector senior executives and MEASAT business partners.***