"Development of the system is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2018," General Manager of West Sumatra Telkom Sulkan stated here on Wednesday.
Currently, internet network in Kepulauan Mentawai District can only be enjoyed by the community in the area of Tua Peijat in Sipora Island. However, the local community is still complaining about slow and intermittent internet connectivity.
Internet connectivity is disrupted due to the use of radio networks that are unstable and vulnerable owing to the weather conditions.
Solution to the problem lies in building an Underwater Cable Communication System in order to facilitate faster transfer of data.
The system will be in the form of a 157-kilometer-long underwater fiber optic network equipped with a big tower in Tua Peijat in Sipora Island.
The tower will emit signals through radio networks to facilitate internet networks on other islands.
"We immediately create a master plan for the development of the system," Sulkan noted.
Vice Governor of West Sumatra Province Nasrul Abit highlighted the importance of the telecommunication and internet networks in Mentawai since the area is developing tourism as a Special Economic Zone.
Tourists visiting Mentawai for surfing had raised the issue of lack of proper internet connectivity.
"We encourage that the telecommunication and internet networks can work smoothly in Mentawai to support regional tourism," Abit noted.
Reported by Miko Elfisha
M052/INE
(T.M052/A/KR-BSR/F001)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
