KUALA LUMPUR (May 23): To avoid repeating history, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) regulatory framework and role are to be strengthened to ensure good coverage and quality of Malaysia’s 5G network.

In reply to a supplementary question from Ampang Member of Parliament pertaining to concerns over the 5G network quality in reference to 4G’s weakness and issues, Anwar said the government is cognizant of 4G services being at an unsatisfactory level — both in terms of breadth of coverage, as well as download and upload speeds.

“Thus, [to ensure the quality of 5G services], the regulatory framework and role of MCMC will continue to be strengthened so strict action without fear or favour can be taken against any service provider who fails to provide quality services to its customers,” he said, adding the government will not compromise on this reasoning as the internet is a basic need for the rakyat, like water and electricity.

Anwar continued that MCMC has begun the process of reviewing and improving existing regulatory instruments, including amendments to the Quality of Service Mandatory Standards, which, among others, set the minimum speed of mobile broadband at 2.5 megabits per second (Mbps).

“This minimum speed should be amended to be in line with the aspirations of the National Digital Network Plan Initiative (Jendela), which aims for an average mobile broadband speed of 100Mbps by 2025,” he added.

Anwar noted that with the government’s decision for the nation’s 5G rollout to a dual wholesale network (DWN) once the network under Digital Nasional Bhd reaches 80% coverage of populated areas, healthy competition coupled with a strict regulatory framework under the MCMC will ensure the provision of quality 5G services at a reasonable price.

Moreover, he also reiterated that the DWN model also addresses the issue of a single point of failure, as well as reduces security risks via the provision of robust and resilient network diversity.

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