Previously, we mentioned how CelcomDigi has the best mobile network coverage. Now, it looks like the quality of the 5G network in Malaysia has declined as 5G services and availability have increased. So, what should you know about it?
According to Ookla, 5G download speed in Malaysia has decreased from 506.96 Mbps in the 2nd quarter of 2023 to 387.39 Mbps in the 2nd quarter of 2024. It follows 5G Services which increased significantly from 9.4% in the 2nd quarter of 2023 to 26.5% in the 2nd quarter of 2024.
In addition, Ookla said the 100 MHz C-band spectrum allocated to SWN providers, which is shared among five 5G providers, appears to be constrained as 5G services and availability increase, leading to a drop in median speeds. GSMA Intelligence data estimates that the use of 5G technology in Malaysia will be 10.1% in the 2nd quarter of 2023 and increase to 37.0% in the 2nd quarter of 2024.
In addition, the rapid adoption of 5G technology impacts performance and will continue to do so as deployment rates increase and traffic demands per connection increase. This underscores the importance of ongoing spectrum management to maintain high-performance 5G networks and effectively address growing demand and new 5G use cases.
Moreover, it has been observed that in markets that leverage low-band spectrum for wider 5G coverage, there is a trade-off between widespread coverage and performance. Ookla gave the example of Thailand, which has outlined the critical role of the C-band spectrum in unlocking the full potential of 5G.
Despite reaching 65.4% 5G Services in the 2nd quarter of 2024, lack of C-band allocation has limited 5G performance to a median download speed of 135.30 Mbps. Ookla states this highlights the importance of combining the C-band spectrum with low-band and low-mid-band frequencies to deliver optimal 5G speeds and capabilities.
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