Communication and Multimedia Minister, YB Gobind Deo announced that the 5G test trials conducted by the National 5G Task Force is on track to conclude its findings by November 2019. Led by Chairman Dato’ Mohd Ali Hanafiah with 113 members ranging from academicians, manufacturers, telecommunications services providers, to ministries and governmental agencies presented its Mid-Term Report showing to a possible 5G rollout by mid 2020 the latest.
Over the past eight months, the team has carried out various activities including initiating the 5G test beds which consist of 5G Showcase and Field trials to understand the technical capabilities and performance of the 5G technology. MCMC also called for 5G demonstration by interested industry players which saw 11 companies sending proposals across various verticals namely agriculture, education, entertainment, healthcare, manufacturing and process industries, oil and gas, smart city, transportation and tourism primed to benefit from 5G. A total of 66 5G use cases have been identified by both government and private sectors, culminating in an estimated total industry investment of RM50 million.
Among the findings by the task force, it identified and recommended other spectrum bands for 5G use, such as, the Mid-band from 3.3GHz to 4.2GHz; and High-Band or the millimeter wave bands of 26GHz and 28GHz. These mid-term findings are based on the spectrum bands’ popularity, as well as current readiness of the technology ecosystem.
In his speech, YB Gobind said: “Today, I’m happy to announce in the spirit of Kemakmuran Bersama (shared prosperity), we are expanding the 5G demonstrations from the original testbed areas of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, to 5 other areas/states which are Selangor, Perak, Terengganu, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Kedah. Our vision to transform Malaysia into a digital nation requires greater coordination and synergy across ministries, state governments and industry, and support from all Malaysians.”
Relevant parties will work closely with ministries, key industry partners across various verticals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to address challenges in accelerating 5G implementation. The aim is to establish an all-inclusive and vibrant 5G ecosystem where new capabilities, skills, business opportunities can flourish to transform Malaysia as one of the leading digital economy in Southeast Asia.
