World’s First in Rural Connectivity

By Cynthia Ann Peterson

SIEMENS Networks Malaysia recently demonstrated the world’s first successful integration of a technology that enables rural areas to receive both mobile phone and data services coverage.

The company held its third Digital Lifestyle Awareness Showcase in Pekan, Pahang, which demonstrated new technologies for the provision of services and applications to enable rural areas to get connected. It was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak. TM Bhd also participated in the showcase.

The successful integration of Fast-hopping Low-latency Access with Seamless Handover Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (FLASH OFDM) with Siemens Networks’ nanoGSM base stations was the first of its kind. FLASH OFDM offers mobility and wide coverage on various frequencies to rural areas, and it even works on high-speed moving vehicles.

FLASH OFDM, used as a cost-effective Internet protocol (IP)- based backhaul linked to extend basic Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) voice and data services through Siemens’ nanoGSM station, was a world’s first.

`This unique solution has been specifically designed and driven by the Siemens Malaysia team. With the integration of these two highly successful technologies, suburban and rural people, particularly in the deep remote plantation areas, can now receive basic voice and data connectivity previously not available,’ says Joe Doering, chief executive officer of Siemens Networks Malaysia.

The Digital Lifestyle Awareness Showcase displayed FLASH OFDM’s different applications for homes, business, schools, plantation, trains and travel/tourism. Visitors to the showcase experienced the use of Voice over IP (VoIP), Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) telephony, web and video conferencing, online chat and games as well as broadband access on the move.

Mobility is a growing demand as Internet users are demanding faster, more flexible and convenient connections.

`Wireless connectivity with cater significantly for Internet access wherever, whenever and users will be able to get connected ubiquitously. Wireless technology like Siemens FLASH OFDM will expedite the deployment of broadband services especially to rural communities,’ says Datuk Abdul Wahid Omar, group chief executive officer, TM.

He added that TM’s objective in deploying mobile technology has always been to enable a mobile experience for higher productivity and flexibility to contribute to the country’s economic productivity and effectiveness.

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