PERAK CONSIDERING USING SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY TO BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE

IPOH, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The Perak government is holding discussions with the relevant parties regarding the use of satellite technology to solve the problem of the digital divide in rural areas including in recreational forest areas.

State Communications, Multimedia and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said he expected one or two rural areas in Perak to be able to use the technology soon.

"We are aware that to bridge the digital gap in rural areas such as the Lipur Forest, for example, there will be constraints on cutting down trees to build telecommunication towers.

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“InsyaAllah, we will get the results next year, at least a 'proof of concept' as to whether satellite technology can be used in one or two rural areas," he said during a question and answer session during the State Assembly sitting today.

He said this in response to a supplementary question from Berhanudin Ahmad (PN-Manong) who wanted to know if the state government was planning to use satellite technology as an alternative to bridge the digital divide in the state.

Regarding the state government’s strategy to modernise village communities in Perak, Azlan said that the initiative by the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) was one of them.

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"To modernise the village community and advance the digital industry in the country, NADI provides training on the use of information technology, such as how to use smart devices, access information through the internet, and use applications for business or education.

"This training can improve digital skills for the community in the village by taking advantage of the e-commerce platform, as well as involving the community in digital economic activities," he said.

He said the Digital Perak Corporation Holdings is also one of the agencies involved in supporting the digital village initiative outlined in the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 which aimed to improve the internet environment for rural and remote residents.

-- BERNAMA