Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the 5G network in Malaysia has achieved 66.8% coverage at the end of July 2023.
He emphasised that Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) will expedite the 5G rollout with new board members and a new chief executive officer (CEO) coming on board, as reported by Malay Mail.
Fahmi highlighted the success of the rollout in the Klang Valley and expressed the goal of surpassing 80% coverage beyond this region. He underscored the significance of breaching this milestone.
Regarding Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, Fahmi clarified that the broadband services are a temporary solution for low-connectivity areas.
He reached out to various ministers and MPs, including the Minister of Health, Minister of Education, and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, urging them to identify suitable locations for Starlink’s proof of concept rollout in their constituencies.
Fahmi also disclosed that over 160,000 individuals had registered for the Pakej Prepaid Rahmah by the end of July. This package, initially introduced as Pakej Perpaduan, offers 30GB of data for six months with a speed cap of 3Mbps for RM30.
Introducing another package under the Rahmah umbrella, the 5G Rahmah package will debut on August 31, coinciding with National Month celebrations. This package includes a 5G device bundle data plan priced at RM60 per month.
Customers can choose between a Samsung A14 5G or Honor 90 Lite 5G, with prices as low as RM240. Fahmi revealed that the first 100,000 applicants from the B40 income group will enjoy a discount, with the smartphone priced as low as RM120.
Following the introduction of the 5G Rahmah package, Fahmi mentioned that several other phone manufacturers expressed interest in joining the initiative.
