GEORGE TOWN: YTL Communications (YTL) today rolled out its 5G network in Penang, making it the first state in the northern region to have the fifth-generation broadband cellular technology coverage.
Under the first phase of the 5G implementation plan in Penang, a total of 151 sites on the island have been identified for the 5G broadband spectrum infrastructure.
Of the 151 sites, a total of 58 are new 5G telecommunication structures while the remaining 93 are existing telecommunication structures, which will be upgraded.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said under the second phase of the 5G implementation plan next year, a total of 235 5G communication structures would be set up in Seberang Prai and an additional 77 on the island, focusing in the northeast district.
Chow, who thanked YTL for coming out with the 'YES 5G Plan For All', said it was the first telecommunication company to launch the 5G service in the state with a speed capacity of 120Mbps.
"This is a pioneer plan, and I believe the plan will serve as a reference to other mobile network operators (MNO) in future.
"The Penang government welcomes cooperation from all, including the federal government and the private sector, particularly other MNOs, to jointly realise the 5G telecommunication infrastructure project in the state, in line with the vision to make Penang a smart start by 2030.
"With the launch of the 5G network in Penang today, this places the state as the first in the northern region with 5G network spectrum," he said at the launch of the 5G network in Penang (5G@Penang) at Wisma UAB, Gat Lebuh China, here today.
Present were YTL Communications chief executive officer Wing K. Lee and Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) corporate affairs chief officer Zuraida Jamaluddin.
In May this year, Chow had told the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting that the state government had started a pilot test to develop the 5G broadband spectrum infrastructure at three locations here.
He had said that the project was being implemented to test the readiness of local and state authorities in receiving 5G services and the provision of the infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Lee said the 5G coverage area would be expanded to 80 per cent of Malaysia's population by 2024.
"At present, it is at 30 per cent and we hope to reach 40 per cent at the end of the year.
"In Penang, the 5G coverage area stretches from the heart of George Town to Persiaran Karpal Singh and up to the industrial area in Bayan Lepas.
"The Penang International Airport (PIA) in Bayan Lepas will also be the first airport in Malaysia with 5G network coverage," he added.