BEIJING — Malaysia can learn from China’s success in implementing 5G coverage, especially in rural and remote areas, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.
The use of “direct-to-cell” technology involving low earth orbit (LEO) satellites for these areas were discussed in his meeting with China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanlong here, yesterday, he said.
LEO satellites are seen as a potential solution to address internet problems in remote areas and regions without internet connection.
“One of the main challenges we face in Malaysia, is in remote, rural, island, and hilly areas, where fiber installation as a backhaul solution poses significant difficulties,’ Fahmi told Bernama after the meeting.
In China, 5G currently covers more than 90% of populated areas, leading Malaysia to learn from the country’s success in improving connectivity, especially in rural areas, Fahmi added.
According to data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the number of 5G base stations in China exceeded 4.04 million as of last August, or 32.1% of the total number of mobile base stations across the country.
In Malaysia, a total of 7,191 5G sites have been developed across the country with 564 in Sabah and 551 in Sarawak, while the coverage level is now 81.9% in populated areas.
This is the second meeting between Fahmi and Jin, following the first held in Putrajaya in June last year. – September 27, 2024