A Dark Fibre Network refers to “dark” or unused fibre optic equipment. Typically, dark fibre is developed to enable any institution that needs a fast internet network, and wants control over their own network in terms of speed, security and the ability to increase data transmission rates according to their own needs and is not bound by the regulations of other internet providers.
Recently, it was reported that the Selangor government has begun the process of developing the Selangor Dark Fibre Network, where the first phase is the development of an underground fibre optic network that will begin around Cyberjaya called the Cyberjaya Fiberisation Project.
This project is led by SmartSel Sdn Bhd and OCK Group Sdn Bhd and will cover the entire Cyberjaya area, along 41.1KM and will belong to the Selangor government when it is completed in six months.
It is also the first step in the Selangor Dark Fibre Network project, where the second phase will begin in Shah Alam later with a range of 178KM. Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said that the entire project is expected to be completed within three years, with a total fiber optic network of 889KM.
This project is expected to cost RM500 million to RM800 million and is a collaboration between the state government, private companies and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
When completed, this dark network is seen to be able to benefit various parties, from universities, various financial institutions and the development of new cities, which can be made into smart cities more easily.