The State of 5G in Malaysia: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

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The State of 5G in Malaysia: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Malaysia is at the forefront of adopting 5G technology, which promises to revolutionize industries and improve connectivity nationwide. As of 2024, significant advancements have been made, but challenges remain as the country strives to position itself as a regional leader in 5G deployment.

1. The Rollout of 5G in Malaysia

The rollout of 5G in Malaysia began with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), the government-appointed entity tasked with deploying the country’s 5G network. As of now:

  • Coverage: Malaysia aims to achieve 80% 5G population coverage by 2024.
  • Current Status: Major urban areas, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Johor, have benefited from initial deployments, with a focus on expanding to more rural areas.
  • Operators: Telecommunications companies such as CelcomDigi, Maxis, and U Mobile have started integrating 5G services into their offerings, making it accessible to consumers and businesses.

2. Benefits of 5G for Malaysia

The introduction of 5G technology brings numerous advantages, including:

  • Faster Speeds: Speeds up to 10 Gbps allow for seamless streaming, gaming, and downloads.
  • Low Latency: Critical for applications like autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and telemedicine.
  • Economic Growth: 5G is expected to contribute RM12.7 billion to Malaysia’s GDP by 2030, according to government projections.
  • Innovation Enablement: Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and education are leveraging 5G for IoT (Internet of Things) solutions, robotics, and remote learning.

3. Challenges in 5G Adoption

Despite the progress, several hurdles have slowed down widespread adoption:

  • High Costs: The infrastructure for 5G is expensive, and telecom operators have raised concerns about pricing models and ROI (Return on Investment).
  • Regulatory Issues: There has been ongoing debate about DNB’s single wholesale network (SWN) model, which some argue limits competition.
  • Consumer Accessibility: While 5G-ready smartphones are increasingly available, affordability and awareness among the public remain challenges.
  • Rural Inclusion: Extending 5G to remote areas is difficult due to infrastructure limitations and higher deployment costs.

4. Government Initiatives and Plans

To address these challenges, the Malaysian government has launched several initiatives:

  • JENDELA Plan: A comprehensive digital infrastructure program aimed at improving connectivity and laying the groundwork for 5G.
  • Subsidies and Investments: Programs like PEMERKASA+ offer subsidies for SMEs to adopt 5G technologies.
  • Public-Private Collaboration: Encouraging telecom operators to collaborate with DNB and invest in complementary infrastructure.

5. What’s Next for 5G in Malaysia?

The future of 5G in Malaysia is promising, with the government targeting:

  • Full 5G Deployment by 2025: Achieving universal access to 5G and transitioning industries to adopt this technology at scale.
  • 6G Research: Early-stage exploration of 6G technology is underway, ensuring Malaysia stays ahead in the global telecommunications race.
  • Smart Cities and IoT: Projects like smart traffic management systems, smart farming, and AI-powered healthcare are expected to thrive on 5G networks.

Conclusion

5G is set to be a game-changer for Malaysia, driving innovation, economic growth, and improved connectivity. While there are challenges in infrastructure, cost, and accessibility, ongoing efforts by the government and private sector signal a bright future. As 5G becomes more widespread, Malaysia is poised to unlock its full potential as a digitally connected nation.

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