5G FOR INDUSTRIES COULD START AS EARLY AS NEXT YEAR: MCMC

PUTRAJAYA, April 21 (Bernama) -- 5G deployment for industries could start as early as next year, says the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak said with 5G, unlike with the previous 3G or 4G networking technologies, industries get higher priority than consumers.

"After the 5G task force sends the report at the end of this year, if there are recommendations for certain industry areas, or high-impact areas where they recommend to have 5G, we can do it provided the equipment and ecosystem are there and the service provider is ready to provide, then 5G for industries can start as early as next year," he said.

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Al-Ishsal was speaking to reporters on the last day of the 5G Malaysia Showcase held from April 18-21 to create public awareness about the technology.

Established in November last year, the task force aims to study and recommend a holistic strategy for 5G deployment in Malaysia.

The task force is expected to complete its study and produce a final report for MCMC and the Minister of Communications and Multimedia by September this year.

Citing an example, Al-Ishsal said the implementation could focus on industry areas like free trade zones in Penang which feature robotics for the manufacturing, agricultural, fisheries, education and medical sectors.

Al-Ishsal explained that MCMC will do an analogue switch-off in the third quarter, and six months later will clear the 700 megahertz spectrum for public use.

"So, when you look at the timing, we complete the work this year (for 5G), and next year is the completion of the spectrum," he said.

This, he added, is the reason why Malaysia started early with the 5G test bed so as to be on par with standard verifications around the world.

Commenting on the 5G showcase, Al-Ishsal said he was surprised by the overwhelming response, adding there are plans to hold the showcase nationwide to enable more people to see and experience 5G technology.

-- BERNAMA