KUALA LUMPUR: There should be a mechanism for consumers to opt out of 5G services, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications and Digital Minister said there were 45 million telco users, but only seven million 5G-ready devices.
“The ministry is suggesting rather than opting in to the network, we have the choice to opt out. We need 5G-ready devices to use the network.
“Even if we have immediate opt-in, not everyone can use 5G right away. That is why programmes such as the 5G Rahmah would be beneficial for the B40 group to purchase devices that can use the network,” he told reporters after the launch of PETRONAS’ private 5G network here yesterday.
In August, Fahmi had planned to meet with local telcos to discuss reported additional charges levied on 5G subscriptions.
He added that the update on plans to waive additional charges on 5G network subscription by telcos is expected to be available within the next few weeks.
“The matter is currently being discussed with the relevant mobile network operators (MNOs) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“The request is for MNOs not to impose additional charges to take up 5G, just as how we migrated to 4G – which we started using without having to opt in,” he said.
Fahmi also said all local telcos will be signing a share subscription agreement (SSA) on stakes in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) by the middle of the month.
He said the signing is expected to take place prior to further discussions on the transition to the 5G dual-network model.
He had previously said the implementation of 5G could be developed further with the involvement of all telcos in the SSA.
He also said that discussions were still ongoing on proposals for the second 5G network.
“I am not in a position to divulge more information on this. It is because the conversation is very dynamic and is being facilitated by the 5G task force,” he added.
The 5G task force is co-chaired by Communications and Digital secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Isa and Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.
In May, Fahmi said the government had decided to implement a dual 5G network once the current rollout under DNB has reached 80% of populated areas.
As of September, Fahmi said the country’s 5G network coverage in populated areas stood at 70.2%, with subscriptions totalling 2.49 million, translating to a 7.4% penetration rate.
Earlier at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof launched PETRONAS’ private 5G network that would be used to optimise internal operations – a first of its kind in the country.
The network is currently being used at the PETRONAS Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang in Melaka.
“As we embark on this transformative journey, it is crucial to acknowledge the integral role cutting-edge technologies play,” said Fadillah.
“5G’s fast connectivity, low latency and capacity to handle massive data flows will empower our industries to innovate, compete and excel on a global scale,” he said in his speech at the event that was also attended by PETRONAS project delivery and technology vice-president Datuk Bacho Pilong.
