Beyond Disaster Zones Prime Bolsters Digital Coverage In Rural Areas

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The MCMC says the system provides mobile internet coverage and information broadcasting in areas where cellular coverage is often weaker.
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil inspecting PRIME drones at the launch of the system in Sabah on Sept 7. (Facebook pic)PETALING JAYA: Apart from enhancing search and rescue operations in times of disasters, the Mobile Integrated Radio and Internet Communication System (PRIME) will also serve to boost digital coverage in rural areas
It will help the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) expand internet coverage and enhance broadcasting of information to far-flung areas where telecommunications coverage is usually weak.
“This enables the local community to gain access to accurate information as well as better digital communications facilities,” the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said in a list of frequently asked questions on PRIME.
Launched by communications minister Fahmi Fadzil in June, PRIME is a strategic initiative aimed at providing modern communications facilities in areas hit by natural disasters, and emergency zones, as well as rural areas that lack communications infrastructure.
This initiative, spearheaded by the MCMC, also helps the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and other agencies ensure their disaster operations can proceed with better communications coverage.
On Sept 7, the government expanded the PRIME systems to Sabah, with Fahmi launching it in Tawau. The installation of PRIME units in Sarawak is expected to be completed next month.
The system combines a range of the latest technologies to ensure holistic communications coverage.
It includes the use of satellite communications in areas with no cellular coverage and portable cellular networks that can be deployed in disaster areas.
In its arsenal are two-way radios for operations teams on the field, Wi-Fi hotspots for quick access to fast internet, and drones to expand coverage and disseminate information directly from locations.
The MCMC said PRIME also reinforces the nation’s disaster preparedness, enabling rescue teams to operate and communicate without a hitch, even in areas that have no network coverage.
“This prevents any gap in communication during rescue operations, allowing for quicker, better organised and more effective actions to save lives and property,” the commission added.
More information on PRIME can be found on MCMC’s website. - FMT

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