KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Only about seven million out of 45 million mobile user accounts in Malaysia are equipped with 5G-ready devices, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said this has deprived them of using and enjoying the 5G network even though it was already available in their areas.
“So, that is why programmes such as 5G Rahmah would be helpful, particularly for the B40 to purchase, procure 5G devices so they can use the 5G (network),” he said to the press after attending the Petronas’ first commercial 5G Private Network today, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The 5G Rahmah Package, launched in August, is offered to all Malaysians from August 31 until December. It offers a device bundle data plan involving a smartphone priced at no more than RM240, along with a postpaid plan as low as RM60 per month with minimum data of 60GB.
In line with the Madani Economy framework, Fahmi also announced the 5G Rahmah package, offered to the first 100,000 customers from the B40 group, who will be eligible to receive a RM120 subsidy for the smartphone.
He said the ministry would discuss the issue of the extra fee for 5G subscriptions with mobile network operators (MNO).
“The Prime Minister and Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry have also raised the issue. So, my deputy secretary-general has engaged with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the MNOs on this. I believe there will be some updates on this matter within the next few weeks,” Fahmi said.
The ministry is also looking into suggestions for the MNOs to implement an opt-out approach instead of an opt-in for the consumers transitioning to 5G.
“The request is not to be an additional charge for anyone to take up 5G. Just like how we migrated with something using 4G without opt-in. One of the suggestions the ministry has to look forward to is that rather than having an opt-in, we can opt out,” he said.
Earlier, Fadillah said as of September 2023, Malaysia’s 5G network coverage in populated areas stands at 70.2 per cent, with 5G subscriptions totalling 2.49 million, translating to a 7.4 per cent penetration rate.
— Bernama
