Maxis, Sacofa team up on high speed broadband
KUCHING: Maxis Berhad and Sacofa Sdn Bhd entered a partnership with the signing of a Letter of Understanding ( LoU) for Sacofa to offer High Speed Broadband ( HSBB) Network Services to the telecommunication company.
Under the LoU, Maxis will have full access to Sacofa’s HSBB Network Services in Sarawak that will enable the telco company to offer its already available fiber plans to even more homes and businesses.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who witnessed the signing of the LoU between Maxis, represented by its chief operating officer Gokhan Ogut and Sacofa by its managing director Mohamed Zaid Zaini, said the partnership between both parties will provide services to consumers, particularly in terms of broadband connectivity which is crucial for Sarawak to drive its economy.
He pointed out that Sarawak is also geographically located in a good position where the state is not affected by disasters such as earthquakes.
“We are outside the Ring of Fire and with the availability of our power and water resources and now, fiber broadband connectivity, it is therefore easier for us to transform our economy to digital economy.
“As you know, the process of production these days is at a digital pace. With this partnership and the demography of the state, our future is quite bright as the economy will be integrated,” he said at the signing ceremony which was held at Rivervale Condominium Lounge, here yesterday.
He hoped to see fiber broadband connectivity expanded throughout the state, connecting the rural to the urban.
“That is our long-term plan and I’m sure with the ( broadband) infrastructure being built, Sarawak’s economy will soon be integrated with the world economy or at least within the Asean (economy).”
Meanwhile, Mohamed Zaid said digital connectivity today is no longer regarded as a luxury but a necessity in everyday life as people turn to technology to facilitate their daily activities.
“Broadband connection is now considered a compulsory utility rather than an add- on or an afterthought to any homes or offices.
“This is something Sacofa identified several years ago and knew something had to be done. We then launched Sofia (Sacofa Open Fibre Infra Access) in January this year, which is essentially a platform for service providers to reach out to customers without having the need for any heavy capital expenditure.”
He said the extensive rollout of Sofia across Sarawak will increase overall broadband penetration rate and offer consumers a choice when it comes to broadband packages.
“With increased competition comes lower prices and with lower prices, higher speeds are made more affordable, hence internet user experience will vastly improve,” he remarked, while encouraging more service providers such as Maxis and property developers to join Sacofa to fulfil its mission of a more connected Sarawak.