GEORGE TOWN – Penang is now the first state in the northern region to have fifth-generation (5G) broadband cellular network coverage after its launch in the state today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said through the first phase of the 5G implementation plan in Penang, by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), a total of 151 sites have been identified to launch the 5G spectrum in areas on the island this year.
“From the 151 sites, 58 new 5G telecommunication structures will be built and the remaining 93 structures are upgrades from existing communication structures,” he told reporters at the 5G Network Launch Ceremony here today.
He said for 2023, through phase two of the 5G implementation plan in Penang, a total of 235 5G standard communication structures will be built in the Seberang Prai area and an additional 77 5G communication structures on the island, especially in the Northeast region.
Chow also said as a step towards 5G, which began in 2020, Penang has been selected as one of the six states in Malaysia for the implementation of the 5G demonstration projects (5GDP).
“A total of seven telecommunication companies have been selected to implement 19 ‘use cases’ in Penang with an estimated cost of RM23.2 million which includes five verticals, namely, agriculture, education, smart state, manufacturing industry and tourism,” he added. – Bernama, September 9, 2022
