KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM15 billion will be invested over a period of 10 years for the implementation of 5G technology throughout the country.
The multi-billion investment is among four important types of digital infrastructure initiatives outlined by the government under the MyDigital — the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint - to accelerate innovation and create an effective digital ecosystem in the country.
At the virtual launching ceremony of the MyDigital today, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said such efforts that would be carried out by a special purpose vehicle under the government and is expected to create some 105,000 employment opportunities.
He said all licenced telecommunication companies will have equal access to these infrastructure, in marketing their 5G services to their respective customers.
"This infrastructure cost-sharing enables telecommunication companies to generate higher returns and, in turn, provide better and cheaper 5G services to consumers.
"This situation will boost the use of 5G, thus enhance economic capability in triggering more product and service innovations.
"So, by the end of this year, 5G technology will be enjoyed by the rakyat in stages. With this, Malaysia will emerge as one of the first countries in this region to build a 5G ecosystem using internet and cloud services in real-time to enable instant sharing of information," said Muhyiddin in his speech at the virtual launching ceremony.
He added the 5G technology will serve as a game changer as more smart services with direct impact will be made available for the well-being of the people.
"This 5G technology not only promises better and faster internet access, but more importantly, it also enables various important applications to be in the hands of end-users, including health monitoring applications for chronic patients, smart emergency assistance, and special applications for senior citizens who are living alone," he said.