COMMENT | With 5G, are we truly ready?
COMMENT | We have all heard about 5G, the fifth generation of technology, the successor of 4G, as they called it. There are surmountable benefits to the rolling out of 5G in nation-building.
Moving towards the development of smart cities, progressing in telemedicine and healthcare monitoring solutions, greater innovation in business productivity and automation, and an increase in connectivity with low latency communication, to name a few. The benefits speak for themselves that they will make our lives easier and better, so to say.
But, ever so forward in development, more people are seen to be left further behind.
The notion of nation-building to focus on technological and digital progression would be a good competitive approach if we were to look outwards. Looking inwards, I believe there are other priorities that need to be realised and aligned. Especially those that are interconnected to economic disparity...
COMMENT | We have all heard about 5G, the fifth generation of technology, the successor of 4G, as they called it. There are surmountable benefits to the rolling out of 5G in nation-building.
Moving towards the development of smart cities, progressing in telemedicine and healthcare monitoring solutions, greater innovation in business productivity and automation, and an increase in connectivity with low latency communication, to name a few. The benefits speak for themselves that they will make our lives easier and better, so to say.
But, ever so forward in development, more people are seen to be left further behind.
The notion of nation-building to focus on technological and digital progression would be a good competitive approach if we were to look outwards. Looking inwards, I believe there are other priorities that need to be realised and aligned. Especially those that are interconnected to economic disparity, false consciousness, digital divide and above all, encompassing accessibility for groups that were given countless promises but no actions properly taken upon.
There has been a series of delays in regard to the ownership and equity stakes of 5G services between the government and telecommunication companies in Malaysia. What should have been rolled out in late 2021 is still not implemented at the present time.
The government and all stakeholders involved should take this opportunity to analyse possible detrimental effects on the 5G rollout towards groups that may not necessarily have access to newer technology due to various factors.
5G rollout status
In the past two months or so, the government has decided to have a 30 percent equity stake in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). They established the DNB in 2021 with the goal of maximising the potential of Malaysian 5G implementation in expanding the digital economy and social activities.
One of the proposed models by DNB is to roll out 5G via a single-wholesale network so that people can enjoy cheaper 5G services. Mobile network operators, on the other hand, preferred a dual-wholesale network model, which allows them to run and own 5G services privately.
Now, this relates more toward technical feasibility, commercial and economic viability, and governance and integrity, as mentioned by think-tank Emir Research.
The pros and cons of either network are to be weighed by the relevant stakeholders, that’s for sure. There is also a lot of jargon in building this ecosystem in Malaysia with 5G, none that should really be our concern.
But, we should be concerned. Right? Future users are stakeholders as well, and we are the future users.
Cheaper access to 5G technology, countless benefits to new technology, personalised experience through customised digital services, and many others. The main concern, however, is about the technological infrastructure and access to all.
Substantial digital divide, economic inequalities
In looking at the interactive 5G coverage map on DNB’s website, only major areas in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor Bahru are where 5G is already live. 5G sites in progress are also accumulated around the outskirts area in the same cities as well as in several Georgetown sites in Penang.
The 5G rollout will present a major stepping stone for Malaysia in reaching greater heights when it comes to our economy, society and technology.
But, that is not the case for most. The urban poor will be gentrified to a larger extent. People who are living in rural areas and cities that are lacking in access to technology, information and connectivity will be isolated. These groups of people won’t be able to find a place in the future of Malaysian society where technology and development are prevalent.
We are not severely lacking in infrastructure - though I may be wrong if we are focusing on states such as Sabah and Sarawak.
To remedy the lack of infrastructure in the Borneo states, the government has made promises to develop infrastructures by building more digital infrastructure sites at 382 new sites in Sabah and 636 in Sarawak under the National Digital Network Plan. The government has allocated RM2.5 billion for rural areas and infrastructure development.
Understanding these priorities will set a precedent for creating and implementing more inclusive investments for citizens that need more.
UNGKU ‘ARIFIN is a youth social and political advocate.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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