5G prices expected to come down as coverage expands, Dewan Rakyat hears

KUALA LUMPUR: High-speed 5G Internet prices are expected to go down as coverage expands nationwide, says Teo Nie Ching.

The Deputy Communications and Digital Minister told the Dewan Rakyat that as of Feb 28, a total of 4,363 5G sites have been developed by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), which provides 5G network access in 54.7% of populated areas.

According to Teo, the current price for users is RM1.68 per GB.

“But so far the price of 5G service access, for now, uses the price offered by DNB (Digital Nasional Berhad) through the reference access offer.

"So we believe that with the expansion of 5G channels, the price can be further lowered," Teo said in reply to a question from Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan), who asked about the cost and quality of 5G services offered by the company to users and efforts made to reduce the price further

He also asked about the length of time needed to ensure 5G coverage is accessible throughout the country, including Sabah and Sarawak.

On accessibility, Teo reiterated that the overall national rollout is at 54.7%, but pointed out that it was slightly higher in Penang at 56.6%.

"The target of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the ministry is to achieve 80% of coverage in populated areas," she said.