Malaysia's telecommunications sphere recieved a huge boost with the first 5G trial, conducted by Celcom Axiata Bhd and Ericsson on Thursday. The Communications and Multimedia deputy minister, Datuk Jailani Johari, was quoted by The Star saying the introduction of 5G technology is key to empowering the local industries across various sectors. He also said that the new technology is expected to help achieving the government's target of becoming a developed nation by 2020.
"The recent launch of the premier digital hub of the world's first Digital Free Trade Zone and the Kuala Lumpur Internet City places Malaysia in the epicenter of Southeast Asia's Internet economy," he said, as reported.
Jailani said it would drive Malaysia to be one of the world's largest purpose-built digital hub.
"This is where 5G steps in and plays an important role to ensure not only efficiency but also open a window of opportunity for digital players."He said ultimately, the 5G technology will be a solid foundation in forming a solid ecosystem to enable innovation.
Celcom chief executive officer, Michael Kuehner, said that the Telco giants were committed to develop and continue the evolution of its network with the latest technologies. "The 5G technology is important to Celcom because it will support the development and meet the needs of consumers while providing endless digitalisation of various industries," Kuehner said.
Ericsson Malaysia and Sri Lanka president Todd Ashton said the collaboration with Celcom proves their support for the Malaysian market following the success of the Innovation Centre for 5G set up last year with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. "We will study and test this new technology to capture the full potential of 5G for consumers, business users and entire industries in the country together with Celcom," Ashton said, as reported.
Malaysian consumers can expect the full 5G network rollout between 2020 and 2025.
Global consumers could experience it as early as February 2018 during the Olympic Winter Games in South Korea and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020.
