According to Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), Malaysia’s targeted 5G network coverage is now ahead of schedule, reaching almost 50% for 2022. The initial target was 40% coverage of populated areas.
In 2022, this 5G coverage included 3900 sites, with 90% coverage in KL, Putrajaya and Selangor and 50% coverage across Johor, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan. DNB expects to hit full network deployment in 2024 or even earlier.
While Celcom, Digi, TM, U Mobile and YTL have signed on, Maxis is expected to sign on to DNB’s 5G network in January 2023. DNB also notes that 5G usage has increased by 8x from 32TB to 253TB per day, while average download speeds clock in at 380 Mbps.
| State | End of 2022 coverage (planned) | End of 2022 coverage (actual) |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | 97.1% | 97.5% |
| Putrajaya | 97.3% | 97.1% |
| Selangor | 85.0% | 89.5% |
| Malacca | 55.0% | 51.3% |
| Negeri Sembilan | 49.5% | 49.7% |
| Johor | 30.0% | 52.3% |
| Pulau Pinang | 30.8% | 41.1% |
| Perak | 16.8% | 37.7% |
| Sarawak | 34.7% | 32.4% |
| Sabah | 21.9% | 27.9% |
| Pahang | 0.0% | 18.2% |
| Terengganu | 0.0% | 10.8% |
| Kelantan | 0.0% | 11.7% |
| Kedah | 0.0% | 13.1% |
| Perlis | 0.0% | 9.5% |
| W. P. Labuan | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Total | 37.9% | 47.1% |
While the total coverage score of 47.1% certainly trumps the 37.9% that was planned for the end of 2022, we do have to note that it's not all a bed of roses. Certain areas like Malacca and Sarawak did not hit their planned coverage, but most other areas like Johor and Pulau Pinang achieved significant leaps in terms of 5G coverage.
Despite this, it would be great if DNB does implement Malaysia's 5G networks sooner than the planned 80% coverage in 2024. But what do you think? Will we get 100% full deployment by 2024? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com
COMMENTS