Govt Explores Potential Of 5G Broadcast Technology

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The government has begun exploring the potential of 5G Broadcast technology to complement delivery methods in the national broadcasting sector, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is studying and testing the feasibility and suitability of this emerging technology for use in Malaysia.

“MCMC has started conducting test-bed sessions to examine technical aspects, including spectrum interference issues and suitability under certain conditions, to assess the capabilities of this technology.

“The technical aspects being looked into by MCMC are to ensure that this technology can be used without disrupting other broadcasting modes or existing telecommunications services,” he told a press conference after opening the 5G Broadcast Conference here today. 

He said the technology is expected to mature within the next few years, as some European countries are set to roll it out as early as 2027.

“Between 2027 and 2030 we will see greater development, because the technology is still very new as it requires specific chipsets to be installed in devices. It may only be in the next two to three generations of mobile phones that we can fully benefit from it,” he said.

On the advantages of the technology if implemented, Fahmi said it could enhance the viewing experience of certain events through venue casting and also speed up the delivery of emergency broadcasts.

“Broadcasts can be made very quickly and clearly, providing different perspectives using newer technologies such as 3D view and many other applications.

“We are also studying several ways of delivering early warnings without relying on SMS. There are existing technologies, but we see that 5G Broadcast will also help in that direction,” he added.

5G Broadcast technology is the latest evolution in telecommunications, allowing content to be transmitted directly to mobile devices without the need for traditional internet connections.

Unlike conventional mobile networks that focus on two-way communication, 5G Broadcast enables one-to-many signal transmission simultaneously, with high quality and wider coverage, using the ultra-high frequency band employed for terrestrial television broadcasting.

The 5G Broadcast Conference, organised by MCMC, brought together more than 400 participants from various industry sectors and relevant agencies.

The conference follows up on the Future Broadcasting Technology Study conducted by MCMC since 2023, which focuses on the potential of new technologies such as 5G Broadcast to strengthen the local broadcasting industry, including TV, radio and digital streaming.

Also present were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Malaysian National News Agency chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

-- BERNAMA