
irix, formerly known as PPTEL, confirms the 'soft launch' of the Batam Sarawak International Cable System (BaSICS) cable and its Tier IV data centre (irix DC).
The 700km system was built in collaboration with XL Axiata and the project was confirmed as having completed construction in June of this year. It connects Batam in Indonesia with Sarawak, Malaysia landing at the irix DC in Santubong. From here it is connected to terrestrial networks where it is carried to all parts of Sarawak and Borneo, including Kalimantan.
The launch ceremony was attended by Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Malaysian State Utility and Telecommunications Minister, who according to local paper Maylay Mail, was quoted as telling reporters:
“These [BaSICS and irix DC] will lay down the backbone needed to bring Sarawak's internet connectivity to the next level. I do believe it will accelerate our economic development by the year 2030.”