GEORGE TOWN – Penang is well on track to enjoying 90% coverage for 5G network services by December this year, said government special purpose vehicle Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).

DNB’s chief strategy officer Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid said the state is pivotal to the nation’s economy as it is the hub for high-tech manufacturers in the country.

Speaking at the exclusive 5G forum in the E&O Hotel here yesterday, Zaki said DNB and all telecommunications operators are ramping up the roll-out of the service across the country.

Zaki said Malaysia aims to reach 80% coverage by the end of 2023.

Viewed as a game changer, 5G connectivity would enhance the nation’s digitalisation efforts and other applications such as autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

To secure 80% coverage in the country, DNB – which is tasked with the nation’s 5G roll-out – needs to install 7,500 transmitters, some of which can be at the same locations (co-location towers) as existing 4G towers, said Zaki.

He also said that 4G will still be important in Malaysia even after 5G overtakes its usage in 2026.

He urged consumers to be prepared to embrace the latest tech, as it is now available on 11 smartphone brands, with 177 models being 5G ready.

Also present at the forum were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state executive councillor for infrastructure and transport Zairil Khir Johari.

The forum’s panellists included Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission member Prof Tharek Abdul Rahman, YTL Communications Bhd chief executive Wing K. Lee, incoming island mayor Datuk Rajendran Anthony, while the moderator was information technology specialist Mohamed Shajahan Mohd Iqbal.

Besides ensuring connectivity is at the highest level, Wing said Malaysia has taken the best approach to embrace 5G.

He said as a result, the country is now enjoying the fastest roll-out of 5G globally, while its commercial rates are also among the cheapest in the world.

“It will become a game changer for the country and attract new investors,” Wing said.

He said the government’s decision to make DNB the sole driver of 5G infrastructure in the country is an appropriate move as it enables a faster roll-out of the assets involved.

5G infrastructure is also relatively cheaper than its predecessors as it requires less electricity, while its transmitters can be installed on 4G transmission towers.

Wing cited several examples of the benefits of 5G, especially for small-to-medium enterprises, which are helping the country’s economy.

He said YTL’s 5G clients are now accessing 45% more data to drive their businesses, especially in areas of AI and IoT.

The second example is the collaboration with the National Heart Institute, where 5G connectivity is available on smart ambulances in the Klang Valley, allowing for a speedier initial diagnosis for patients.

“It saves doctors half the time to attend to the patients, especially those suffering cardiac arrests,” Wing said. – The Vibes, April 10, 2023