Penang airport set to be first in M’sia with public 5G network

BAYAN LEPAS –  Penang is hoping to secure more high-end investors as it becomes the first state to roll out the 5G super speed network connection at its airport here.

Last night, state executive council member for infrastructure Zairil Khir Johari officiated the launch of the 5G network at the Penang International Airport here – making it the first airport in the country to offer 5G network services to the public.

They will be able to access the super-fast network by logging on with their devices to the airport’s internet connection.

Zairil thanked Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd for working hard to lay out the 5G infrastructure in Penang.

Among the benefits of the 5G network is its increased connectivity speed, allowing for faster video streaming and website access compared to the previous 2G to 4G networks.

Based on data from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Zairil said Penang has exceeded the national average of digital connection per 100 residents – at 152.6% compared to the national average of 124.1%.

He told journalists that the internet penetration rate here currently stands at 51.2% compared to the national average of 41.9%.

For the island’s 5G network, 151 sites have been identified to host its spectrum installations. Among these, 58 will be new, whereas 93 will be upgraded from the existing 4G network.

While on Penang’s mainland, Zairil said a total of 235 installations would be built or upgraded in stages.

The focus areas would be those that are high-density, tourist-attraction, administrative, commercial and industrial areas.

At the airport, Zairil said that more commercial investors can set up shop due to the high speeds while passengers would also benefit from it before they board and when they disembark from their flights.

Following the launch, Zairil also briefed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on the proposed mega reclamation project called the Penang South Islands, which is located off Bayan Lepas.

This is Ismail’s first visit to Penang as prime minister.

The reclamation project is envisioned by Penang as the next step in the state’s economic development while also providing the funding for the proposed new roads and a light rail system under the Penang Transport Master Plan.

While critics may argue about which options are the best for transportation, Zairil stressed that like it or not, Penang needs a better transport system as when it is super congested, everyone is affected, including civil society members.

“Appointments cannot be met and road accidents may also spike due to the present congestion,” he said. –  The Vibes, September 13, 2022.