- SMARTSEL drives state-level connectivity initiatives in Selangor, focusing on fibre networks, direct internet access (DIA), public Wi-Fi and smart-city digital infrastructure.
- The company operates in Malaysia’s broader telecommunications sector, tackling digital divide issues, infrastructure deployment costs and the need for resilient, future-ready networks.
State-backed infrastructure for the digital divide
SMARTSEL Sdn Bhd was established in 2017 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Koridor Utiliti Selangor (KUSEL) and the Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) Group, with a mandate to plan, build and maintain shared fibre and telecommunication infrastructure across Selangor.
As a Network Facility Provider (NFP) and Network Service Provider (NSP) licensed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, SMARTSEL supports local councils, government agencies, businesses and citizens by delivering high-speed, affordable digital connectivity — including Direct Internet Access (DIA) with bandwidth from 100 Mbps up to 10 Gbps, network operations support and cloud-managed Wi-Fi solutions.
The company’s approach is closely aligned with Selangor’s ambition to become a smart state by enabling digital services such as smart-city platforms, IoT systems, big data applications and public Wi-Fi hotspots. SMARTSEL’s infrastructure lays the groundwork for initiatives that improve service delivery and digital inclusion in urban, rural and tourism zones throughout the region.
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Industry challenges and innovation roadmap
Malaysia’s telecommunications landscape is competitive and capital-intensive, shaped by large commercial carriers and government-led programmes aiming to extend broadband access nationwide. Infrastructure providers like SMARTSEL face challenges including deployment costs, regulatory compliance, ensuring coverage in underserved areas, and future-proofing networks for technologies such as 5G and IoT.
Despite these challenges, innovation in connectivity infrastructure continues to accelerate. SMARTSEL participates in programmes such as JENDELA and the Selangor Connectivity Master Plan, which seek to enhance broadband coverage, support enterprise digital services and prepare for next-generation wireless technologies.
Public–private partnerships and strategic collaborations — including memoranda of understanding with organisations like Tourism Selangor and integration of projects like the Selangor Digital Education Ecosystem — demonstrate how multi-stakeholder efforts expand connectivity to schools, public venues and tourism hubs.
Network innovation also extends to telecommunication towers, in-building connectivity and 5G-ready infrastructure to ensure widespread, high-speed coverage that supports both commercial and citizen needs. SMARTSEL’s architecture and project management capabilities position it as a key enabler for digital transformation in the region.
