Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) has identified 10 of its campuses which have below 50 per cent internet access and are in need of Starlink satellite devices.
UiTM assistant vice-chancellor (Infostructure) Prof Dr Juliana Johari told Bernama that the next campuses expected to get Starlink satellite devices are UiTM Tawau and UiTM Samarahan, as the two have near zero internet coverage.
This comes after the installation of the first Starlink device at UiTM Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan, as part of the pilot programme (proof of concept) for the initiative under the Communications and Digital Ministry (KKD) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The remaining campuses are UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor; UiTM Kota Samarahan, Sarawak; UiTM Seri Iskandar, Perak; UiTM Dungun and UiTM Kuala Terengganu in Terengganu; UiTM Tawau and UiTM Kota Kinabalu in Sabah; UiTM Arau, Perlis; and UiTM Permatang Pauh, Penang.
However, she said everything is still under further discussion with the MCMC as the Starlink device installation task force for the university.
Juliana added that this is because, among other things, UiTM is still determining the best placement of the satellite dishes to prevent blind spots (unreachable internet signal points).
“Previously, there were many blind spots due to external factors such as building position. We had to install several wireless access point (AP) devices in and around campus blocks to cover the blind spots.
“However, each device is quite costly, at around RM3,000 per unit. Based on our calculation, the expenditure for that purpose alone is more than RM100 million,” she said.
Juliana said as such, the Starlink device installation has helped tremendously in improving the overall internet connection at the said campuses.
She added that around 200,000 staff and students at the 10 campuses are expected to benefit from the satellite devices.
On July 23, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the 10 units of Starlink satellite devices were given to UiTM as part of the government’s efforts to improve the quality of internet services at the university’s branch campuses.
Fahmi then visited UiTM Kuala Pilah to inspect the device installation on July 27.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency