A joint venture project involving Danawa Resources Sdn Bhd, a wireless technology provider and Sacofa Sdn Bhd, a state-owned company that provides the infrastructure, has made this possible by providing wireless Internet connection known as DeConnexion WiFi (wireless fidelity) to the residents here.

The implementation of the project here follows the successful launching of DeConnexion in Miri earlier in this year in line with the State government’s initiative to nurture a knowledge-based economy (k-economy) and society. The State aims to get as many people as possible to get Internet access and to get connected to the world in order to bridge the digital gap between the rural and urban areas.

According to Sacofa managing director Abang Jemat Abang Bujang, wifi coverage was based on industry standard 802.11 b/g which enabled users to access wireless network with similarly equipped notebooks, computers, PDAs and wifi equipped Smartphones. “The users will be able to enjoy unlimited Internet speeds of up to 384 kbps and this service is provided for free for a period of two years and it is accessible to 250,000 users or more. “After two years, a minimum amount would be charged at an affordable price if one wishes to continue using this service,” he said.

For the moment the coverage areas for Sibu are Sibu Town Square, Sibu Gateway, Rajang Esplanade, Express Terminal, Bank Road and Sibu Exhibition Hall, said Abang Jemat, when speaking to newsmen after the launching ceremony of Sibu Broadband (WiFi) Internet Access held at the Public Works Department meeting hall here yesterday.

Urban Development and Tourism Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh officiated at the launching ceremony. Danawa-Sacofa, which works closely with the State and Federal governments on the project, was formed in response to the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s aim to accelerate Sarawak’s household broadband penetration rate from 1.3 per cent to 50 per cent under the National Broadband Plan and MyICMS 886 programme objectives before 2009.

Since the joint venture effort started, Danawa-Sacofa has set up wifi hotzones throughout the state, covering major cities and towns like Miri, Mukah and Betong and soon it would stretch its plan to rural areas focusing on the rural schools and local community centres. The function was also attended by Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King and his deputy Daniel Ngieng and officers from Danawa-Sacofa joint venture company.