5G is the buzz word that is taking over our minds when it comes to connectivity. However, while the technology has been making the news thanks to many telecommunications companies including Qualcomm, Samsung and Huawei, news on progress when it comes to rollout has been slim. That said, Malaysia is gearing up to start commercialisation of 5G technologies by Q3, 2020 – that’s only 8 to 9 months away!
“5G will soon influence every industry, at the same time serve as infrastructure for innovative growth. The convergence of 5G and different industrial sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, smart transportation, and tourism present new opportunities for industries, society, and individuals to advance their digital ambitions, and deliver new and better services.”
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia
The target rollout date comes as a follow up to the announcements of a number of test-beds across the six states in Malaysia including the capital Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and the Island of Langkawi in Kedah. Langkawi is arguably the largest test site in Malaysia with over 25 5G sites. These sites cover 6 use cases including agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and smart city technologies. These tests have been ongoing since June 2019.
With the imminent launch of 5G commercially in Malaysia, Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed is calling for businesses to begin looking to adapt and adopt these technologies to further the countries mission of becoming Southeast Asia’s Industry 4.0 hub. He also cautions that failure to do so could result in businesses being unable to compete and thrive.
“5G has the potential to be a game-changer for humanity as it promises a fully connected society that will fuel the future growth of several industries, support various use cases and ultimately spark a new era of enhanced digitisation in Malaysia.”
Al-Ishsal Ishak, Chairman, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)
That said, it looks like the benefits of 5G technology won’t be hitting consumer roll out just yet. The technology is being geared to push the boundaries of the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data. The jump to 5G speeds in mobile connectivity seems to be a little bit away. However, the main focus of 5G technologies now seems to be geared towards improvement of quality of life through innovations and implementations that will lend itself to growths in GDP. This includes implementations in transport, healthcare and agriculture which will result in better services for the end consumer.