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Back on Track for Wider Coverage: Malaysia's 5G Journey
Telecom Business Review | Thursday, October 27, 2022
The government-owned 5G agency, Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), has finally reached an agreement with four mobile carriers in Malaysia, namely Celcom, Digi, YTL, and TM, to acquire 65 per cent of the company.
FREMONT, CA: 5G is far superior to 4G, although 6G may eventually displace it. This describes how technology evolves. Businesses that have invested in 4G want to make a profit before updating the technology. Lower-frequency spectrum, like that at 700 MHz, has a wider reach but moves more slowly. Very little coverage is provided by high-frequency spectrum (such that at 28GHz), but it is faster.
To provide service inside a room, they might need a small base station because high-frequency spectrum can scarcely pass through concrete walls. A spectrum with a medium frequency (like 3.5GHz) lies in the middle. The terrain, structures, and trees all have a significant role in determining the coverage area of any wireless system.
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When using the low-frequency spectrum, a region can be covered by a single tower or pole, while the high-frequency spectrum requires many towers or poles. Every pole or tower needs a power source. The cost of electricity for these operators will consequently skyrocket.
An essential component of the digital economy is 5G. A state-controlled 5G single wholesale network by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), owned by the Malaysian Ministry of Finance, was founded in March 2021 to deploy 5G infrastructure and extend 5G as a wholesale network to materialise 5G. The path to 5G has been challenging, though, since it's been challenging for all parties involved to agree on how the technology will be implemented across the nation.
The four major operators in Malaysia—Maxis, Celcom Axiata, U Mobile, and Digi—pushed for two wholesale networks earlier in this year's negotiations with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over terms for the nation's wholesale 5G network.
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The operators together rejected the government's plan to acquire at least a 51 per cent interest in DNB, citing initial difficulties with 5G pricing for consumers and businesses. However, the government stuck to its original deadline of August 31. It considers a shared network will be more economical and speed up infrastructure construction. Contrarily, some market participants believe that this robs operators of the advantage of differentiating their services to compete.
All six of the nation's mobile operators eventually consented to the 5G deal after some early hesitancy, though Maxis and U Mobile later decided to reverse their positions. Although all six mobile operators have decided to proceed, the MCMC anticipates difficulties with state-level rollouts due to local authorities' excessive bureaucracy.
Malaysia's 5G rollout had reached 27 per cent by the second quarter. MCMC's Chief Operating Officer, Datuk Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus, remarked that there is still room for improvement when it comes to fulfilling the demands of local councils and states for resolving bureaucracy concerns, even though this shows the progress made in terms of 5G service coverage.
Even the 5G contract should be returned to MCMC, according to Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, because telecoms have not sided with the government. For telecoms to be told to install transmitters in appropriate areas, Zahidi also urged the general public to notify MCMC if a location had inadequate internet service.
“While DNB lacks the power to compel them or condemn them for not doing so,” said Zahidi. “They at MCMC can only ask them or implore them to place these transmitters to boost the strength of the transmitters.” To direct these telecoms to follow their orders because they have an Act to compel them to do so, they maintained urging the House to return the 5G rollout project to the MCMC.
By 2025, Malaysia will have 6.2 million IoT connections, nearly doubling from just 3.9 million connections in 2020, predicts IDC. As noted in the report by IDC, “IoT alone will create large IP traffic, which further underscores the need for additional backhaul capacity to serve both 5G cell sites as well as fixed aggregation at factories, stadiums, and various government and smart city locations.”
With plans to roll out 5G to other cities by the end of 2024, Malaysia is reportedly hoping to expand around 80 per cent of the 5G network coverage in populated cities by the end of this year, including Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya, and Putrajaya. MCMC defines populated areas as places where there are at least 20 individuals per square kilometre.
According to recent research by Opensignal, among 11 cities in the Asia Pacific, Kuala Lumpur has the second-highest 5G download speed, at 376.6 Mbps, trailing only Seoul, which has a 5G download speed of 453.1 Mbps. According to the survey, the reason for Kuala Lumpur's high rating is that DNB has a lighter 5G network load compared to other Asia-Pacific cities because YTL Communications' 5G is the first and only operator offering commercial 5G services in Kluang, Malaysia.
By 2025, Malaysia is anticipated to have 2.1 million 5G customers, or an estimated penetration of 6.6 5G subscribers per 100 persons, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. It is anticipated that 5G will boost Malaysia's GDP by around RM5.3 billion.
According to Mohd Ali Hanafiah, the nation is on track for Phase 1, which runs from 2020 to 2025, with Phase 2 set for the end of 2022 to 2025. As 5G adoption rises, Malaysia hopes to outline plans for the public and commercial sectors to offer its citizens greater broadband quality and wider coverage.
The project's first phase will cost an estimated RM28 billion in investments. To close the digital divide, 60 per cent of the costs will be financed by the private sector, with the other 40 per cent coming from the government through the Universal Service Provision (USP) budget.
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Telecom sites play a crucial role in maintaining communication networks; however, they face several safety challenges that can interrupt operations and lead to financial losses. These challenges range from physical security threats to environmental hazards. Understanding these issues and implementing effective solutions is vital to ensuring the smooth operation of telecom infrastructure. This article explores the primary safety problems faced at telecom sites and provides practical strategies to address them.
Key Safety Problems at Telecom Sites
Physical Site Security
Telecom towers are often located in remote and isolated areas, making them vulnerable to break-ins and thefts. Unauthorized intruders can cause significant damage, steal expensive equipment, and disrupt services. The lack of constant physical security monitoring due to the remote locations exacerbates this issue. Adopting strong security systems, such as alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and access control measures, is vital for preventing unauthorized access and securing valuable assets.
Environmental Hazards
Telecom sites are exposed to various environmental risks, including extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, and wildlife interference. These hazards can damage infrastructure, leading to service interruptions and costly repairs. Conducting regular site assessments, implementing weather-resistant designs, and establishing emergency response plans are crucial to mitigate these risks. Protective enclosures and barriers can also help safeguard equipment from environmental damage.
Electrical Safety
Electrical faults are a leading cause of fires and equipment failures at telecom sites, often resulting from heavy current loads passing through components such as fuses, switches, and power distribution units. These conditions increase the likelihood of overheating and short circuits, posing serious operational and safety risks. Routine maintenance and thorough inspections are essential to detect potential issues early and prevent costly disruptions. Implementing fire suppression systems, along with proper grounding and insulation practices, significantly reduces exposure to electrical hazards. Reliable infrastructure and monitoring solutions—such as those supported by ONUG Communications —help ensure stable and secure telecom operations.
Health and Safety of Workers
The safety of workers at telecom sites is paramount. Working at heights, handling heavy equipment, and exposure to electromagnetic fields pose significant risks. Ensuring workers are adequately trained and equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial. Regular safety drills, adherence to safety protocols, and continuous monitoring of working conditions can help prevent accidents and injuries.
WiLine Networks delivers resilient connectivity solutions that support safe, continuously monitored telecom infrastructure environments.
Strategies to Mitigate Safety Risks
Enhanced Security Measures
Investing in advanced security technologies, such as motion detectors, biometric access controls, and remote monitoring systems, can enhance the physical security of telecom sites. Regular security audits and collaboration with local law enforcement can further strengthen site protection.
Environmental Risk Management
Developing comprehensive risk management plans, including regular site inspections, weather monitoring, and emergency preparedness, can help mitigate environmental hazards. Using durable materials and designing infrastructure to withstand extreme conditions are also effective strategies.
Electrical Safety Protocols
Electrical faults can be significantly reduced by instituting strict electrical safety measures, such as routine inspections, maintenance planning, and employing superior quality components. Training workers on electrical safety and emergency response procedures is equally important.
Worker Safety Programs
Establishing robust worker safety programs that include training, PPE provision, and regular safety assessments can protect workers from occupational hazards. Encouraging a safety-first culture and ensuring compliance with industry standards is key to maintaining a safe working environment.
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In today's digital age, networking infrastructure is becoming more and more important. Maintaining a competitive edge, societal advancement, and economic progress all depend on investing in a strong broadband network. The importance of broadband infrastructure becomes more clear as communities, governments, and corporations adjust to a hyperconnected world.
Investing in a robust broadband network has significant financial advantages. Access to high-speed internet facilitates business operations and market expansion, fostering innovation and development. Fast, dependable connections are essential to digital media, cloud computing, and e-commerce. High-speed internet allows businesses to increase customer satisfaction, streamline processes, and generate new revenue streams. These benefits encourage investment and job development while boosting the nation's economy.
A robust broadband network is essential for modern workforce needs, especially in remote work and telecommuting. High-speed broadband enables employees to work from home without slow or unreliable connections, improving work-life balance and allowing organizations to access a broader talent pool. Adequate remote work infrastructure supports business continuity during natural disasters or global health crises.
High-speed broadband enhances education quality by delivering online resources, digital classrooms, and interactive tools that support evolving learning models. Institutions working to expand connectivity solutions, including providers such as Pavlov Media , which develops and manages high-speed broadband networks for multifamily communities and businesses, reflect the broader push to strengthen digital infrastructure. It enables students to access information, collaborate effectively, and participate in remote learning environments. Sustained investment in broadband helps bridge the digital divide, promote equal educational opportunities, and foster skill development for long-term success, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Broadband networks are crucial for advancing healthcare, particularly in remote or underserved areas. They enable remote consultations, diagnostic services, and health monitoring, improving patient care and access to medical expertise. By ensuring that these vital health services are available to everyone, regardless of geography, investing in broadband infrastructure offers advantages for the economy and education.
Gigtel delivers high-speed broadband infrastructure solutions that strengthen digital connectivity for education, remote learning, and business environments.
Broadband networks improve the quality of life by supporting digital services like streaming entertainment, social media, smart home technologies, and IoT devices. A reliable, fast internet connection ensures seamless access to digital content, online communication, and smart home automation, enriching the lifestyle experience for individuals and families.
Investing in a robust broadband network enhances national and regional competitiveness, attracting global businesses and promoting technological innovation. High-speed connectivity is crucial for a competitive digital economy, enabling startups and established companies to thrive. Governments and policymakers view investing in broadband infrastructure as a strategic move to drive economic growth and ensure their regions remain at the forefront of technological advancement.
Broadband infrastructure development offers numerous benefits but presents challenges like capital investment and maintenance. Despite these, long-term benefits outweigh initial costs, as a robust network supports future technological advancements and digital transformation, ensuring sustained success for businesses, communities, and countries.
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Fiber infrastructure services in Canada are being reshaped by regulatory changes intended to improve broadband competition. Network construction is still essential, but ownership, access and wholesale policy are becoming more important to the business case behind fiber deployment.
In April 2026, the CRTC finalized its approach to help Canadians gain more choice and more affordable high-speed internet services. The regulator said it began allowing competitors across Canada to use the largest telephone companies’ fiber networks to sell internet services in February 2025.
Changes in broadband policy are influencing how infrastructure owners plan and invest in their networks. Large operators may need to balance continued investment in fiber upgrades with new wholesale access requirements. At the same time, smaller providers may have more opportunities to reach customers without building every segment of the last mile themselves. That places fiber infrastructure service companies in a unique position, supporting both the expansion of new networks and the changes needed to make existing infrastructure work within a changing regulatory environment.
The debate is not simple. Some industry voices argue that mandatory access can affect incentives to invest in telecom infrastructure. A 2025 economic note from the Montreal Economic Institute criticized territory-wide mandatory sharing policies for ultra-high-speed networks, including fiber optic and cable networks.
For contractors and infrastructure service providers, this uncertainty can influence project timing. If network owners are cautious about investment returns, some builds may be delayed or phased more conservatively. At the same time, competition-focused rules may increase demand for upgrades that allow wholesale access, improved interconnection and better service management.
Fiber infrastructure is no longer only a construction issue. It is also tied to market structure. Service providers may need to help carriers design networks that are easier to operate, maintain and open to wholesale partners when required. Documentation quality becomes more important when multiple service providers depend on the same physical network.
Urban and suburban fiber projects may be especially affected. In dense markets, competitive access can influence pricing and customer acquisition. Infrastructure providers that support clean records, accurate maps and efficient maintenance can help network owners protect service quality in a more open environment.
The CRTC’s 2025 telecommunications market report says Canadians rely on telecom services every day to work, access public services and connect with others. That dependence raises the stakes for policy decisions and infrastructure execution.
The strongest fiber infrastructure service providers will likely be those that can work across changing ownership models. Whether the client is a large incumbent, a regional operator or a wholesale-focused network owner, the demand is for reliable construction and clear asset management.
Canada’s fiber market is entering a phase where regulation and infrastructure planning are tightly linked. Companies that understand both will be better positioned as broadband competition and buildout priorities evolve together.
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There have been notable developments in the antenna sector lately. The switch from analog to digital transmission is one significant shift that affects antenna functionality and design. The development of antennas capable of handling increased data rates and high bandwidth has been facilitated by the introduction of new communication technologies such as 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G.
Additionally, there has been a trend towards miniaturization and integration, allowing antennas to be smaller and more seamlessly integrated into devices. The rise of smart antennas and beamforming technologies has improved signal quality and network performance. The industry has also seen the development of antennas designed for the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, catering to low-power, short-range, and massive connectivity needs.
The Transition from Analog to Digital:
Analog signals were prevalent in the past; however, there has been a significant transition towards digital communication. The era referred to as the "Digital Age" or the "Information Age" commenced in the latter part of the 20th century. Particularly over the last decade, the widespread use of mobile devices has further intensified the shift to digital communications. This change has impacted the design and capabilities of antennas, with many now being specifically optimized for digital signal transmission.
Introduction of New Communication Standards:
The advancement of communication standards, including 3G, 4G/LTE, and the latest 5G, has created antennas that can accommodate higher data rates and expanded bandwidth. In this context, DirectPTT supports real-time communication solutions that align with evolving data transmission requirements and network efficiency improvements. Consequently, antennas have become more intricate to manage the various frequency ranges and modulation techniques associated with these standards.
Miniaturization and Integration:
Technological progress has enabled the reduction of antenna size without compromising performance, leading to increasingly compact designs that can be integrated into a growing array of devices. This trend is particularly evident in the mobile sector, where antennas are seamlessly incorporated into the architecture of smartphones and other portable gadgets, rendering them less conspicuous.
Gravwell enhances data transmission and network efficiency, supporting advanced communication standards across modern connectivity and antenna ecosystems.
Diversity in Antenna Types:
The varying applications and communication requirements have resulted in the emergence of multiple antenna types, such as patch antennas, dipole antennas, helical antennas, and phased array antennas. The industry has evolved to meet specific use cases and environmental demands.
Smart Antennas and Beamforming:
The adoption of smart antennas and beamforming technologies has surged, particularly with the 4G and 5G network rollout. These advancements significantly enhance signal quality, boost data transmission rates, and improve network efficiency by directing signals toward specific targets. Beamsteering further refines beamforming capabilities. Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESAs) facilitate true-time-delay beam steering, enabling users to electronically direct radio wave beams in various directions without needing physical antenna movement.
Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M Communications:
The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications has spurred the creation of antennas tailored for low-power, short-range, and extensive connectivity. These specialized antennas are essential in accommodating the increasing number of devices within IoT ecosystems.
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