KUALA LUMPUR – Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and Ericsson have introduced 5G Advanced technology on DNB’s network, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s digital infrastructure development.
This rollout positions Malaysia among the first countries globally to implement 5G Advanced technology, reinforcing its commitment to technological innovation and connectivity expansion, Bernama reported.
5G Advanced technology enhances existing 5G capabilities by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to provide ultra-low latency, high throughput, and greater network efficiency.
The new technology integrates AI to enhance user experience and enable advanced applications for both consumers and enterprises. By incorporating AI-driven network optimisations, 5G Advanced technology aims to improve efficiency, support more sophisticated digital solutions, and facilitate the adoption of emerging technologies such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo expressed hope that the enhanced 5G network would drive greater adoption of the technology, particularly among businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Accelerating 5G adoption across various enterprises is vital for Malaysia’s digital transformation. It not only positions Malaysia as a 5G leader during our ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 but also strengthens our influence on digital investments and benefits in the region,” he said during the launch event at DNB’s My5G Portal experience centre today.
Ericsson, in a statement on Tuesday, said DNB’s network will continue to benefit from its AI intent-based operations, ensuring high performance and efficiency.
These advancements are expected to improve operational efficiency and innovation across multiple sectors while unlocking new possibilities beyond standard 5G capabilities.
“Ericsson’s 5G Advanced solutions, such as RedCap, extend battery life and reduce complexity for devices like wearables and industrial sensors.
“For businesses, this means improved IoT deployment, enhanced operational efficiency, and more cost-effective innovation.
“Additionally, 5G Advanced includes solutions like the Automated Energy Saver, part of Ericsson’s Energy Efficiency and Management subscription, designed to maximise energy performance,” the statement read.
DNB said it remains committed to supporting 5G adoption among consumers, enterprises, and businesses through strategic collaborations, partnerships, and educational initiatives.
Its My5G Portal, an immersive 5G experience centre, showcases over 50 use cases across 12 industries, providing visitors with real-world insights into how 5G can revolutionise work, life, and entertainment.
As of the end of December 2024, Malaysia recorded 18.2 million 5G service subscriptions, representing an adoption rate of 53.4 per cent.
Separately, Gobind noted that the rise of AI platforms, such as China’s DeepSeek, could further increase demand for data centres in Malaysia. However, he dismissed concerns that AI advancements would pose a threat to Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional data centre hub.
“With developments like this, you understand how important it is to have data centres. If you can provide services at a lower cost, you can scale much faster. More people will use these services, and that will naturally drive demand for data,” he told reporters after the 5G Advanced launch.
He added that the government is closely monitoring global AI advancements to ensure that Malaysia’s policies align with evolving technological trends.
“The question is how we can ensure that the policies we previously designed are adaptable to these new developments in terms of scaling, cost, and energy consumption,” he said. – February 4, 2025