Ketereh has become the first rural district in Malaysia to receive 5G technology after it was selected to be the location for a rural pilot project. A digital hub has also been established through the project to provide the opportunity for local entrepreneurs to expand their reach via digital platforms.
The Ketereh Digital Hub which is located within the Yayasan Kemiskinan Kelantan’s complex in Melor is not only equipped with 5G connectivity but also photography and videography studios alongside live streaming facilities. As for the 5G network itself, it is being deployed through a joint initiative between Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), TM, and YTL Communications.
While TM is throwing its hat in the ring for this project, the telco has yet to launch a commercial 5G plan, with YTL’s Yes the only one to put out an offering so far. However, it is unclear whether the network in Ketereh is already online or otherwise as a check on JENDELA’s coverage map as well as DNB’s own map show that the town still lacks 5G.
There are currently 1,578 5G sites in the country as of 11 July although according to both maps, only part of Klang Valley and Johor currently have access to 5G. There are some major cities in other states such as Perak and Penang that have already started testing the next-generation network and have announced plans to deploy it later this year.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa previously informed the Dewan Rakyat that the government expects to activate 4,000 5G sites that will deliver up to 36% of the population coverage as part of its 2022 expansion plan. Aside from Klang Valley and Johor, major cities in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak will also receive the network while a nationwide rollout for schools is currently in the works.
(Source: Bernama.)
