BEIJING, Sept 27 — 5G implementation in China, which currently covers more than 90 per cent of populated areas, has drawn Malaysia to learn about its success in improving connectivity, especially in rural areas.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this is especially so with Malaysia implementing a dual network model of 5G high-speed internet to provide quality and inclusive telecommunications services to the people.
This was among matters discussed by Fahmi at a bilateral meeting with China’s Industry and Information Technology Minister Jin Zhuanlong here yesterday.
“During the meeting, we had the opportunity to discuss various topics, including the implementation status of the 5G network in China and Malaysia, the challenges encountered and key improvements or insights we can learn from each other.
“One of the main challenges we face in Malaysia, particularly in the remote, rural, island, and hilly areas, where fibre installation as a backhaul solution poses significant difficulties,” he told Bernama after the meeting.
Fahmi said the discussion also touched on “direct-to-cell” technology involving low-earth orbit satellites, which could be a solution to address internet problems in remote areas and regions without internet connection.
According to data from China’s Industry and Information Technology Ministry, there were more than 4.04 million 5G base stations in China until August.
The figure accounts for 32.1 per cent of the total number of mobile base stations across the country, with 966 million 5G mobile subscribers in China.
In Malaysia, 7,191 5G sites have been developed, with 564 in Sabah and 551 in Sarawak, with 81.9 per cent of populated areas now covered.
Fahmi said that during the meeting, they discussed the 5G innovation challenges, which positions vendors as 5G equipment providers for innovation.
“This is interesting and I request that the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) conduct a more in-depth discussion including in matters such as the use of submarine cable,” he said.
Fahmi said he hoped the meeting will strengthen the relationship between the two ministries, thereby helping agencies such as the MCMC obtain useful input in the implementation of the 5G network.
This is the second meeting between the two leaders. The first was in Putrajaya in June last year.
— Bernama
