QUALCOMM and Indonesia’s Sampoerna Telekomunikasi bring voice and data access to rural areas of Lampung, Indonesia, through QUALCOMM Wireless Reach initiative.
QUALCOMM worked with Sampoerna Telekom (STI), Axesstel, IndoNet, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and the State Ministry for the Accelerated Development of Disadvantaged Regions to introduce CDMA450 wireless technology into Way Kanan, giving the area access to broadband wireless voice and data services. The cornerstone of the program is the establishment of computer laboratories with Internet access in five high schools in Way Kanan. In addition, cellular kiosks or “warsels” are being established in 59 villages and in the five high schools to provide increased access to telecommunications. In April, QUALCOMM announced a similar initiative in Pacitan, East Java.
“Today’s launch of the QUALCOMM Wireless Reach initiative in Lampung demonstrates the Company’s continued commitment to providing greater access to wireless technology in underserved communities, and we are proud to work with the Indonesian government and leading companies to help connect the citizens of Lampung,” said Shawn A. Covell, senior director, International Government Affairs, QUALCOMM. “We are confident that greater access to wireless technology will enable better communication in rural communities and ultimately improve the lives of its residents, both economically and socially.”
“This project in Way Kanan is a creative effort on the part of the private sector to support the government’s program to increase access to telecommunications and other services in these areas,” added Saifullah Jusuf, State Minister for the Accelerated Development of Disadvantaged Regions.
QUALCOMM’s Wireless Reach initiative seeks to connect communities that have limited or no telecommunications access through the use of 3G technologies. The objective of this initiative is to strengthen economic and social development with a focus on education, government, healthcare and public safety. Wireless Reach creates sustainable 3G projects through partnerships with non-government organizations, universities, government institutions, development agencies and other private sector companies.