MWC Doha: Fahmi Shares Malaysia's 5G Success, 90 Pct Coverage Nine Months Early

By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

DOHA, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil highlighted Malaysia’s progress in expanding its 5G network at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha 2026, with the country’s second 5G network achieving 90 per cent coverage in October this year, nine months ahead of schedule.

He said the achievement marked significant progress in Malaysia’s transition towards a dual 5G network model aimed at strengthening competition, encouraging investment and improving telecommunications service quality.

Fahmi said Malaysia had also made significant investments in expanding and strengthening its digital infrastructure through the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) since 2020.

“As of July 2026, approximately 10.12 million premises had been passed by fibre, significantly improving access to high-speed broadband services,” he said at the Digital Leadership Forum Ministerial Panel held in conjunction with MWC Doha 2026 here today.

Fahmi said Malaysia had also made substantial progress in 5G deployment, with the second network achieving 90 per cent coverage nine months ahead of schedule.

He said the development reflected the country’s efforts to establish a competitive and sustainable telecommunications ecosystem while ensuring that consumers benefited from improved service quality.

However, Fahmi stressed that Malaysia’s digital infrastructure development was not solely focused on expanding network coverage, as service quality, affordability and resilience were equally important.

He said these elements must be addressed together to ensure that digital connectivity delivered meaningful benefits to the people.

“Through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, or MCMC, we continue to promote infrastructure sharing and efficient network deployment, while addressing connectivity gaps in underserved communities,” he said.

Fahmi said the Universal Service Provision (USP) framework also played an important role in extending telecommunications services to areas where commercial investment alone might not be viable.

He said the approach enabled Malaysia to balance infrastructure investment with the need to ensure that telecommunications services remained accessible and affordable.

“For Malaysia, a successful network model is one that combines strong infrastructure, sustainable investment, effective regulation and meaningful access for all,” he added.

Fahmi is currently in Doha to lead the Malaysian delegation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), which runs from Nov 6 to 11.

His working visit to Doha also carries the important mission of securing Malaysia’s re-election to the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term.

He is accompanied by Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Telecommunications Infrastructure) Mano Verabathran.

The Malaysian delegation also comprises representatives from the MCMC and local telecommunications industry players, including Telekom Malaysia (TM), CelcomDigi, Maxis and U Mobile.

-- BERNAMA