Hope for a bright 5G future

New tech: A 5G phone display in a mall. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

PETALING JAYA: While many Malaysians are looking forward to using 5G connectivity, they are also hoping for better security, wider coverage and affordable data rates.

Cafe owner Chrystian Teh Tia Hon said most people, including himself, already have 5G-ready devices such as mobile phones, tablets or computers.

“We hope to get cheaper 5G data plans and wider coverage nationwide as it will improve communication, businesses and the national economy in the long run,” said the 35-year-old who lives in Damansara.

Teh said he intended to use 5G for his business, and hoped that there would be enhanced cybersecurity to avoid data leaks and also safeguard 5G infrastructure.

Faris Faridu’din Mohmad, the chief marketing officer of a “cloud kitchen” – a delivery-only restaurant that takes orders online – said he expected 5G technology to bring wider bandwidth at lower costs that would benefit him and his business.

“Automated supply chain management could ensure on-time delivery by using predictive maintenance built on collected data,” he said.

The 29-year-old business owner who also lives in Damansara said that he hoped 5G technology could be fully adopted by every sector in the country, with cheap data offerings and good coverage.

Data analytics and research head Muhammad Soalattulillah Shayaa said the 5G rollout should provide consistent connectivity throughout major cities.

“The 5G rollout should also not be limited to the Klang Valley but extended to other states as well, considering that most people frequently travel between different states,” he said.

The 40-year-old Petaling Jaya native said he owns a 5G- compatible mobile phone and tablet for home use and travel.

Journalist and businessman Paul Tan said he hoped the full rollout of 5G by year-end would give him greater ability to work on the go or outside the office.

“I am getting speeds of 300-400 Mbps, which is great. I also had a great experience using 5G in Perlis, yet in the Klang Valley, there are still areas without any 5G availability,” said the 39-year-old who lives in Shah Alam.

As of this month, the country’s 5G network coverage has reached 59.5%, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.