“The new satellite (Measat-3d) will be able to benefit the last 3% to 5% of the population that lacks high-speed broadband infrastructure,” said chief operating officer Yau Chyong Lim during a presentation at the company’s headquarters today.
Yau also admitted that the company sees the broadband sector as a clear growth segment for its CONNECTme NOW satellite broadband service which it will use to grow regionally.
“We expect the broadband sector to double year-on-year and this is why it is now a very important part of the company’s business portfolio,” he added.
Currently, 60% of the company’s total revenue comes from its direct-to-home video service.
“The ROI for Measat to roll out CONNECTme NOW will be a long-term process,” said Yau who explained that the satellite will be serving a population where affordability is a priority.
“Other than the usual monthly rates for the rural community, our services will also have pre-paid amounts that will be based on usage,” he added.
The satellite essentially looks to benefit some two million people living in rural areas across the country by providing access to the company’s services and coverage is expected to be completed by 2025.
To date, the company has 3,073 sites deployed with 953 located within the Peninsular while the remaining 2,120 is located in East Malaysia – all ready to provide connectivity.
An additional 6,972 sites are expected to be installed by 2025.
The company’s CONNECTme NOW is touted to provide internet connection speeds of up to 100Mbps and will allow users to stream data-heavy content such as 4K/8K videos.
“With better access to the internet, the rakyat will be able to derive socio-economic benefits such as participating in e-commerce and digital learning. We aim to fill the broadband gap in locations without 4G, DNB’s 5G mobile or fibre coverage in Malaysia,” said Yau
The company’s efforts are in support of the government’s target to achieve 100% internet access by 2025 as per the MyDigital blueprint as well as the country’s digital infrastructure plan (Jendela) that looks to address the rising needs and demands for better quality fixed and mobile broadband coverage.
With a lifespan of about 18 years, the satellite which has been built by Airbus Eurostar 3000, has been earmarked for launch on June 22 from Kourou, French Guiana.
Following its launch, its services should come online about a month later once the company concludes that the satellite’s systems are in running order.