Imagine a future where every rural community, no matter how remote, has access to high-speed internet, unlocking opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic growth. This vision is becoming reality through the SMART600 project in Sarawak, Malaysia—a transformative initiative redefining rural connectivity.

SMART600 is deploying 600 towers to extend 4G services to over 1,000 underserved areas with an estimated of 180,000 population. Funded through an innovative collaboration—91% by the Sarawak State Government, 4% by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and 5% by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)—this initiative ensures sustainable connectivity where private investment was previously unviable.

What sets SMART600 apart is its unprecedented partnership model. For the first time in Malaysia, state and federal governments, MNOs, and regulators have joined forces to bridge the digital divide. Led by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC), the project enables up to six operators to share infrastructure, streamlining deployment and reducing costs.

The impact is already visible—rural communities now access e-learning, telemedicine, and e-commerce, empowering students, healthcare providers, and entrepreneurs. More than just connectivity, SMART600 is a global blueprint for closing the digital divide through government leadership, private sector innovation, and regulatory support.

https://sdec.com.my/web/2024/07/09/smart-project-implementation-in-sarawak-by-sdec/

• Sarawak, Malaysia

• Remote and rural communities

The state government must work closely with the service provider especially for state which have sparsely populated areas and geographical challenges during planning stages to ensure effectiveness and sustainability of the operational expenses of the project.

The SMART600 project ensures long-term sustainability through shared funding from MCMC, the government, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), reducing costs while maintaining network expansion. Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology allows multiple providers to share infrastructure, improving efficiency and coverage. The project is also future-proof, supporting 5G upgrades without major overhauls.

To enhance sustainability, many towers use solar power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. AI-driven monitoring ensures efficient maintenance, minimizing downtime. By providing digital access to rural communities, SMART600 fosters economic growth, education, and telemedicine. Local workforce training and government support ensure long-term viability, bridging the digital divide and empowering rural Sarawak.

The SMART600 project aligns with WSIS values by bridging the digital divide and ensuring universal access to ICT in rural Sarawak. By deploying 600 telecommunication towers, it enhances mobile broadband coverage, particularly in underserved communities, supporting WSIS Action Line C2 (Information and Communication Infrastructure). The multi-operator core network (MOCN) technology allows multiple service providers to share infrastructure, making connectivity more efficient, affordable, and sustainable. This promotes digital inclusion, ensuring that rural populations have the same access to communication technologies as urban areas. Beyond infrastructure, SMART600 fosters social and economic development, in line with WSIS Action Lines C3 (Access to Information), C4 (Capacity Building), and C7 (E-learning, E-health, and E-business). By providing reliable internet access, the project enables online education, telemedicine, and digital entrepreneurship, empowering rural residents to participate in the digital economy. Small businesses and farmers can leverage e-commerce platforms, while students gain access to e-learning resources. Additionally, government services are more accessible, ensuring greater citizen participation and governance transparency. The project also promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility (WSIS C7: E-environment) by incorporating solar-powered towers and energy-efficient solutions, reducing carbon footprints. It supports climate monitoring, disaster response, and sustainable rural development, making digital transformation both inclusive and eco-friendly. Through public-private partnerships (WSIS C11: International and Regional Cooperation), SMART600 ensures long-term viability, involving MCMC, the Sarawak government, and telecom operators in a collaborative effort. By fostering digital trust, economic opportunities, and sustainable ICT solutions, SMART600 directly contributes to WSIS goals, driving equitable and inclusive growth in Sarawak.