In a bid to challenge the monopoly of the country’s biggest telecommunications company, Malaysia launched its second 5G network in March 2021. The move is part of the country’s effort to accelerate the adoption of the new technology and improve internet connectivity for its citizens.
The launch of the second 5G network was led by telecommunications company Digi, in collaboration with Swedish telecom equipment giant Ericsson. The network, which covers the urban areas of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Cyberjaya, is expected to offer faster internet speeds and better connectivity than the existing network, which is owned and operated by Malaysian telecommunications company Maxis.
The launch of the second 5G network has been seen as a significant move by the Malaysian government to break the monopoly of Maxis, which currently controls over 50% of the country’s telecommunications market. The government’s move to open up the market to competition is expected to result in better services, lower costs, and increased innovation.
Malaysia has been actively promoting the adoption of 5G technology, which is expected to bring significant benefits to the country’s economy, including improved productivity, increased innovation, and job creation. The country has set a target of achieving 5G coverage across 80% of its populated areas by the end of 2024.
The launch of the second 5G network comes at a time when the country is also in the process of awarding licenses for the deployment of 5G networks. The government has already awarded a 5G spectrum to Maxis, while other telecommunications companies are also expected to receive licenses in the coming months.
The launch of the second 5G network has been welcomed by industry experts, who believe that increased competition in the telecommunications sector will be beneficial for the country. However, some have expressed concerns about the challenges that new players may face in the market, including issues related to infrastructure, spectrum allocation, and regulatory frameworks.
In addition to the challenges posed by the market, Malaysia’s second 5G network launch also comes amid growing concerns about the security of 5G networks. The technology, which is expected to underpin the next generation of digital infrastructure, has been the subject of intense debate in recent months, with some experts warning about the risks of potential cyber-attacks and espionage.
To address these concerns, the Malaysian government has emphasized the need for strong cybersecurity measures and has encouraged collaboration between government agencies, telecommunication companies, and other stakeholders to ensure the security of the country’s 5G networks.
Despite these challenges, the launch of Malaysia’s second 5G network is seen as a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to promote the adoption of the new technology. With increased competition and innovation, the launch of the second 5G network is expected to bring significant benefits to Malaysia’s economy, including increased productivity, job creation, and improved connectivity for its citizens.
