Malaysia’s 5G Network Coverage Increased by Only 1.5% This Year Despite Reaching 80.2% in Dec 2023

Despite only introducing a 5G network in December 2021, our country has performed admirably in the implementation of the high-speed mobile network.

Over the past year or so, 5G network coverage in Malaysia surged, recording 80.2% in populated areas as of 31 December 2023 and just a month later, users of the network had increased a whopping 2,400% to 10.06 million compared to December 2022.

Malaysia’s 5G network coverage only increased by 1.5% in 5 months

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However, it looks like our rapid 5G network expansion has plateaued in the 1st half of 2024 as the latest data on Malaysia’s 5G network coverage in populated areas showed a minuscule increase: 1.5% to be exact!

This is according to Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching who recently told Parliament that the 5G network coverage in populated areas is at 81.7% as of 31 May 2024. 

Teo was replying to a question by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Baling who asked whether the Communications Ministry plans to build more 5G towers in rural areas to improve the 5G network coverage.

Teo nie ching

5G network coverage is currently focused on urban areas with high economic activity

Accordingly, the Deputy Minister said that for now, the construction of 5G networks is focused on urban areas with high economic activity.

However, expansion to other areas including rural areas has begun and will continue from time to time.

She also revealed that Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) has completed 7,114 5G sites nationwide, with the number of 5G sites and network coverage as of 31 May 2024 as below:

Nevertheless, given that the 80% target has been achieved, Malaysia will be shifting to a dual 5G network model soon.

To that end, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo was quoted by NST as saying that telcos for the 2nd 5G network will be selected by the end of this year. 

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So, what do you guys think of the 5G network coverage in Malaysia? What has your experience with the network been so far? 

Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: Study: Malaysia’s Mobile Network is the 7th Most Unreliable in the World!