Rokiah Mahmud
Statistics recorded by the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) showed that the broadband usage rate has increased since the COVID-19 outbreak, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof said at the sixth day of the 18th Legislative Council (LegCo) Meeting yesterday.
The mobile broadband user rate saw a 25 per cent increase – from 115 per cent to 140 per cent in 2021, compared to the previous year; while the fixed broadband to home rate saw a seven per cent increase – from 68 per cent to 75.25 per cent.
“To accommodate broadband service dependency, the Unified National Networks (UNN) has made efforts to further improve operations, including network improvement works carried out in August 2021 which brought with it a 61 per cent speed increase. A total of 53 telecommunication infrastructures have been added to further enhance mobile telecommunications coverage – 22 in Brunei-Muara District, three in Tutong District, 15 in Belait District and 13 in Temburong District – including rural areas,” Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib said.
“Providing telecommunication services coverage in remote areas is being emphasised on, with BND3 million allocated under the 11th National Development Plan (RKN) to fund the Tower Development in Rural Areas project, which will include Kampong Apak-Apak, Kampong Sukang, Kampong Melilas and Kampong Long Mayan.
“Brunei is also preparing for 5G service to maintain the momentum in the use of digital technology – in line with technological advances. Apart from providing facilities such as infrastructure, MTIC through AITI has also implemented numerous efforts including providing spectrum frequency for 5G technology; studying regulations and law (under AITI) related to providing 5G service; continuing pioneer test/trial for 5G technology; and conducting human resource capacity development programme towards 5G (starting March to June 2022),” the minister said.
With regards to safety standards in the transportation and infocommunciaton sectors, maintaining the public’s well-being is always a priority for the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC). Through the National Road Safety Council (MKKJR), joint efforts will continuously be carried out to ensure roads are safe for motorists.
The number of road accidents dropped approximately one per cent every year between 2018 and 2021.
