U Mobile has been tasked with achieving 80% 5G coverage in populated areas within its first year of operation and 95% by the third year, according to its detailed business plan (DBP) for leading Malaysia’s second 5G network. The targets were disclosed by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil in a written parliamentary reply yesterday.
Fahmi said U Mobile’s plan includes deploying a standalone 5G network from the outset, developing in-building solutions (IBS) within four years to boost indoor connectivity, providing fibre optic links, and supporting Enterprise 5G applications to drive digital adoption among businesses.
He said the company’s rollout officially began on 14 July 2025, with a goal to upgrade 6,515 sites to 5G coverage in its first year. As of 31 October, U Mobile had completed upgrades on 2,976 sites, providing 58.2% 5G coverage in populated areas. Additionally, 11 buildings have already been equipped with 5G infrastructure. “These sites will become operational in stages under the company’s rollout schedule,” Fahmi added.
In response to a query from Datuk Yusuf Abd Wahab (GPS–Tanjong Manis) regarding the 5G network’s progress, Fahmi said that the dual 5G network approach would encourage healthy competition in the telecommunications industry. This, he explained, will lead to better service quality, improved innovation, and more competitive prices for consumers, especially in rural areas. The minister also emphasised that under the Jendela initiative, both the government and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will continue monitoring the 5G rollout to ensure transparency and compliance with national objectives.
In a previous update in October, Fahmi revealed that U Mobile had already achieved 54.9% 5G coverage in populated areas since the second network’s initial rollout in August. According to the minister, the highest coverage areas recorded include Putrajaya at 99.7%, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Labuan at 90.8%, Pulau Pinang at 82.3%, and Selangor at 70.9%.
(Source: The Edge Malaysia)
