Malaysia has been making strides in its telecommunications sector with the recent launch of its second 5G network. The country aims to break the monopoly of its first 5G network operator and enhance its digital infrastructure.
The second 5G network was launched by Altel Communications Sdn Bhd, a local telecommunications company, in partnership with Chinese telecommunications giant, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. The network is expected to provide wider coverage and higher internet speeds for Malaysian consumers, especially in rural areas where internet connectivity is still limited.
This move is a significant challenge to the first 5G network operator, which is a joint venture between Malaysia’s largest telecommunication company, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, and Swedish telecommunications giant, Ericsson. The first network operator, which launched its services in 2020, holds a monopoly on 5G services in the country.
The Malaysian government has been pushing for increased competition in the telecommunications industry to provide better services for consumers and to drive innovation in the sector. The launch of the second 5G network is a step towards achieving that goal.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has stated that it plans to auction more 5G spectrums in the near future to encourage more players to enter the market. The MCMC has also expressed its hope that increased competition will drive down prices for consumers and enhance the quality of services.
However, the launch of the second 5G network has not been without controversy. The United States has been urging countries around the world to exclude Huawei from their telecommunications infrastructure, citing security concerns. The U.S. has accused Huawei of being an arm of the Chinese government, and fears that its equipment could be used for espionage or sabotage.
Despite the controversy, Altel Communications has defended its partnership with Huawei, stating that the company has undergone strict security checks and that its equipment is safe to use.
The launch of the second 5G network in Malaysia is a significant step towards breaking the monopoly of the first network operator and increasing competition in the telecommunications industry. It remains to be seen how this move will impact the quality of services and the prices for consumers, but it is expected to drive innovation and enhance digital infrastructure in Malaysia.
As the country continues to pursue its digital ambitions, the launch of the second 5G network serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the security of telecommunications infrastructure and the need for increased competition in the sector.
