Sharing networks would enable smaller players to enter the market and offer services to consumers, increasing competition and potentially lowering prices. It would also allow for better utilisation of resources, reducing the need for duplicate infrastructure and increasing the efficiency of the overall network.
Additionally, network sharing would enable telcos to offer better coverage and higher quality services, as they would have access to a wider range of resources and expertise. Overall, network sharing is a win-win solution that benefits both consumers and telcos alike.
Malay Mail reports that Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil is in talks with telecommunication companies to implement “network sharing” arrangements in order to enhance connectivity for all users across Malaysia.
Despite an overall 4G coverage of 96.9%, individual providers may have lower coverage, hence the need for cooperation amongst the providers to improve network quality. Fahmi said they are using Multi-Operator Core Networks (MOCN), which is a technology that facilitates sharing of a single radio network amongst several mobile service providers, and it will be used in Malaysia’s 5G network and 4G deployments in rural areas.
He also added that the Jalinan Digital Negara (Jendela) initiative in Kuala Lumpur has achieved 97.5% 5G coverage, with 100% 4G coverage and 59.2% fixed-line broadband penetration in the city with an average speed of 142Mbps.
On 7 February, Fahmi instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to address service quality issues among telcos and set a deadline of June to resolve them.
