5G is changing the way the world connects and communicates. The 5th-generation wireless cellular technology is becoming a new global standard for mobile network after 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G.
The 5G rollout has been gaining momentum across Malaysia since its official debut by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) on 15 December 2021, starting with Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and parts of Kuala Lumpur.
On track to reach 80% 5G coverage by year-end
As of 31 July 2023, the 5G network coverage in populated areas has reached 66.8% nationwide and the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) is optimistic that Malaysia is well on track to achieve the 80% by the end of this year, one year faster than scheduled.
“The Cabinet on 3 May 2023 decided to accelerate the implementation by introducing the 5G dual-network (dwirangkaian) from 2024 onwards as soon as the 80% coverage in the targeted populated areas is reached,” said Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital.
Dual-network task force
A special task force consisting of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), KKD, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), DNB and five major telecommunications service providers - CelcomDigi Bhd (CelcomDigi), Maxis Bhd (Maxis), Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), U Mobile Sdn Bhd (U Mobile) and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YTL) - was set up on 8 May 2023 to ensure the transition advances according to plan.
“The task force aims to accomplish two missions, namely reaching 80% coverage in populated areas by the end of 2023 under DNB; and ensuring the transition to a dual network model is carried out smoothly from the beginning of 2024,” she specified.
Nevertheless, the existing 5G networks will remain in use and be continued, possibly with certain renegotiated terms and conditions to align with the transition needs.
“The second 5G network is expected to begin as early as 2024 in stages. It’s expected to reach the coverage equivalent to the first network within the next two years,” hinted Teo.
Building a sustainable telecommunications industry
Commenting on the forthcoming dual-network model, Teo explained:
“The 5G rollout under the Single Wholesale Network (SWN) model by DNB got delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in an effort to accelerate its implementation, we are now adopting a network diversity approach to benefit both the people and businesses more.”
According to Teo, both networks are owned and managed by two entities - Entity A and Entity B - to complement each other, involving five major telecommunications service providers (telcos), namely CelcomDigi Bhd (CelcomDigi), Maxis Bhd (Maxis), Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), U Mobile Sdn Bhd (U Mobile) and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YTL).
“The dual-network model takes into account the sustainability of the ecosystem of Malaysia’s telecommunications industry in the long run,” she added, suggesting a more active and direct participation by telcos with more coverage and affordability in mind.
“Driven by competition, when two entities are developing 5G network in Malaysia at the same time, it contributes to technological innovation and network optimisation, which will ultimately benefit the consumers in terms of service delivery and affordability,” Teo assured.
Bridging digital divide for positive socioeconomic impact
Understanding that 5G is becoming an essential part of our lives, the government is taking initiative to bridge the digital divide among rakyat so that more socioeconomic empowerment can be achieved.
The move is also in tandem with the aspirations of Ekonomi MADANI as championed by Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Full cooperation between the government and the industry players is vital to the success of this policy transition. Adopting a dual-network model for the second phase of 5G rollout (after DNB reaches 80% coverage in populated areas) is a right move to avoid monopolising amid widespread concerns about pricing and quality,” she explained further, implying that all parties welcome the decision on the new implementation path.
“During the transition, the government will remain as a key equity holder in DNB to ensure the shift to a dual network is progressing smoothly,” she continued.
Further details about the two entities including future packages will be announced soon upon finalisation.
Healthy competition to ensure quality and reasonable pricing
“More importantly, enjoying quality mobile internet at a reasonable price remains a top agenda for the government to tackle the rising cost of living,” she highlighted.
The government assures that the transition to a dual-network model will be as good as the existing 5G services in terms of pricing and quality.
“Healthy competition between the first and second 5G network operators means consumers can always look forward to enjoying quality 5G services at reasonable prices,” said Teo.
There is peace of mind for 4G users - the government will continue upgrading the existing 4G network at the same time.
“It’s important to understand that broadband services are now a necessity in life, regardless of 4G or 5G, fixed or mobile,” she remarked.
Affordable RAHMAH broadband packages
The government had earlier launched three RAHMAH broadband packages, namely Pakej Internet Mudah Alih RAHMAH (Prepaid, on 28 February 2023), Pakej Jalur Lebar Tetap RAHMAH (Home Internet, on 30 March 2023), and Pakej Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR)/ Perumahan Awam (PA) RAHMAH @MyKabel, on 14 April 2023).
The target groups benefitting from those rollouts include the B40 group, the youth, Persons with Disabilities (OKU), senior citizens, retired Royal Police Malaysia (PDRM) personnel, retired Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) personnel and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans, as well as the PPR/ PA residents.
Reducing the burden of rising living costs
“The RAHMAH broadband packages are government initiatives through KKD and MCMC, in collaboration with CelcomDigi, Telekom Malaysia, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL Communications, Time dotCom, Allo Technologies, XoX, TuneTalk and PAVO Communications,” said Teo.
The initiatives aim to reduce the living costs of the people.
The response has been encouraging with a total of 178,627 RAHMAH broadband packages signed up throughout Malaysia as of 31 July 2023.
Pakej 5G RAHMAH
Adding more good news to it, the government will be launching two more people-centric packages ie. Pakej 5G RAHMAH dan Insentif Postpaid RAHMAH Penjawat Awam, beginning 31 August 2023, by having Samsung Malaysia dan Honor Malaysia onboard for a start.
“Pakej 5G RAHMAH is an initiative by the Unity Government to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that the people have access to quality Internet connection at reasonable prices through competitive smartphone packages,” said Teo.
Consumers may look forward to owning a Samsung A14 5G or Honor 90 Lite 5G packages for as low as RM240 with 60GB of data plan for just RM60 per month. The package is open to all Malaysians with a two-year warranty instead of the standard one-year warranty.
The first 100,000 subscribers of the B40 group will get a special price of as low as RM120 with a two-year subscription contract for either smartphone model.
Insentif Postpaid RAHMAH Penjawat Awam
For civil servants, the government will be introducing Insentif Postpaid RAHMAH Penjawat Awam, in appreciation of their service. They get to enjoy a RM10 rebate per month for any existing postpaid packages worth RM60 and above.
This translates into total savings of RM120 per year. The rebate will take effect starting 31 August 2023.
More details about Pakej 5G RAHMAH dan Insentif Postpaid RAHMAH Penjawat Awam will be announced soon.
Faster speed and bigger capacity
5G brings about high-speed and high-capacity internet (10x faster than that of 4G) for seamless streaming of high-quality videos, faster downloads and uploads with lower latency for increased productivity.
For the frequently asked questions and answers regarding Pakej Internet Mudah Alih RAHMAH (Prepaid), Pakej Jalur Lebar Tetap RAHMAH (Home Internet) and Pakej PPR/ PA RAHMAH @MyKabel, kindly refer to the official KKD website at kkd.gov.my.
For products and services specific information, kindly refer to the respective service providers.
“Through the implementation of the RAHMAH broadband initiatives by the government, more Malaysians can benefit from it for online matters at an affordable cost. It also marks the government’s commitment towards the use of modern, productive technology in the digital era,” Teo remarked, suggesting more similar packages in the future.
