News & Reviews:   5G network Malaysia

Despite the announcement that Malaysia will transition to a dual-5G network after reaching 80 per cent coverage in populated areas (which was achieved in December 2023), the policy has been delayed with no clear timeframe given by the Government. Well, if the Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB) is to be believed, the dual-5G network is expected to be announced by the government in the 2nd quarter of this year.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has revealed that the number of 5G network users in Malaysia has increased significantly since when he became minister. Taking to Facebook, Fahmi said that there are over 10 million 5G network users in our country.

Previously, we reported that Malaysia finally achieved over 80% 5G network coverage in populated areas as set by the government for 2023. Now, the Communications Ministry has also announced a new target for 2024 involving 5G network coverage at all public universities.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today announced that the 5G network in Malaysia has exceeded the target of 80% coverage by the end of 2023. Accordingly, a second 5G network will be announced soon as Malaysia moves to a dual 5G network.

Previously, we reported that the DNB 5G share subscription agreement (SSA) with 5 local telcos has been delayed yet again. Now, the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) has announced that should Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) fail to reach an agreement on ownership of the DNB 5G network and the upcoming second 5G network, the government would be stepping in.

The Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) has revealed that the 5G network coverage in Malaysia’s populated areas is at 73% as of end-October, just 7% short of the 80% target by the end of the year. However, only a 10.8% adoption rate of the network has been recorded nationwide.

Previously, we reported on the Ministry of Communications and Digital’s (KKD) announcement that the DNB 5G share subscription agreement (SSA) with 5 telco companies would finally be signed last week. However, this never materialised and KKD Minister Fahmi Fadzil has clarified that there are still hiccups to be rectified.

You might be one of many wondering if it's time to get 5G. If nothing else, a large part of the country is set to be covered by the end of the year. The latest KKD report confirms we're getting close to the 80% target.

The Communications and Digital Ministry (KKD) has announced that the 5G network coverage in our country is now at 64.7 per cent of populated areas. Meanwhile, the 5G network coverage in Penang has recently reached 67.7 per cent, meaning that it is ahead of the national average.

Ericsson and Intel are set to collaborate on the development of 5G use cases that can accelerate digitisation in Malaysia. In a Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) signed recently, both companies are seeking to spur 5G’s adoption by local enterprises.