Free Internet project in Parit Sulong first to use TVWS tech in Malaysia

BATU PAHAT: The WiFi project and free Internet initiative, which is the first in Malaysia to use the Television White Space (TVWS) technology, will provide high-speed connectivity to students and villagers living in rural areas, says Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.

The Higher Education Minister said the initiative, which was first launched in Parit Sulong, Johor on Saturday (March 5), was a joint initiative between UiTM holdings and a strategic partner.

"This initiative will benefit students and villagers living in rural areas who need high-speed Internet for daily activities such as home-based teaching and learning (PdPR), businesses and the Internet-of-Things (IoT).

"By offering Wifi and free Internet using the TVWS technology at chosen localities, the Jaringan Digital Negara (Jendela) plan can be implemented faster," said Noraini when launching the initiative at the Seri Suling Industrial Park in Parit Sulong on Saturday (March 5).

The TVWS technology refers to unused gaps between active TV channels in the VHF and UHF spectrum bands that would be converted into high-speed Internet infrastructure.

Also present during the launch on Saturday (March 5) was UiTM vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Roziah Mohd Janor, UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, AxiCom Sdn Bhd chairman Endie Syazlie Akbar, Microsoft Malaysia public sector group general manager Sheikh Manzoor Ghani, and Allo Technology Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Mahzan Miskam.

Commenting further, Noraini said the newly launched initiative will give locals Internet coverage in rural areas through the TVWS technology at a small cost, compared to other existing infrastructures.

"Developing an Internet communication system requires high cost and commitment. However, the determination to provide the best ICT facilities for all walks of life in urban and rural communities, overcomes this.

"Therefore, the Higher Education Ministry is working strategically with corporate bodies and subsidiaries of public universities such as UiTM Holdings to provide digital platforms and free internet networks, specifically for the residents of Parit Sulong and its surrounding areas," she said.