Fahmi said the ministry will foster closer ties with telcos and Samsung to provide affordable 5G devices for users in Malaysia. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysia’s 5G adoption rate remains low at 4.2% despite network coverage reaching 68.8%.
In the Facebook post today, he also said that the ministry will ensure 5G coverage continues to expand and hits 80% in populated areas by the end of the year "for the good of the people and the country".
On Aug 6, he said he had raised the issue of Malaysia's low 5G adoption rate during a visit to Samsung's headquarters in South Korea.
He added that the high cost of 5G devices was among the reasons for the low adoption rate.
He said the ministry will foster closer ties with telcos and Samsung to provide affordable 5G devices for users in Malaysia.
On Aug 31, his ministry launched the 5G Rahmah package with a device price as low as RM240, together with a 60GB data plan priced at RM60 a month.
Two types of phones were offered: the Samsung A14 5G and the Honor 90 Lite 5G.
Fahmi, who was at the MoU signing between CelcomDigi and Virnect, a South Korean tech company that designs and builds XR (extended reality) platforms for industries and organisations, said such partnerships can improve the 5G adoption rate.
He said the use of this technology will transform the teaching methods at universities into experiential learning, especially in the fields of healthcare, oil and gas engineering, robotics, and cybersecurity.
Last month, Fahmi said his ministry would also be meeting local mobile network operators (MNOs) to address reports on telcos imposing extra charges for 5G subscriptions.
Some telcos are reportedly charging between RM3 and RM20 more for 5G access.
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