Covering Disruptive Technology Powering Business in The Digital Age

Written by Khairul Haqeem, Journalist, AOPG.

As 5G becomes increasingly available in Malaysia, industry leaders are exploring the potential benefits of the next generation of connectivity. In an interview with Wong Weng Yew, Board of Management of DE-CIX Malaysia, he discussed the country’s readiness to embrace 5G, the impact on the networking landscape, and the potential economic benefits.

During the interview, Wong spoke on Malaysia’s preparedness to adopt 5G. In Wong’s view, “In its simplest form, 5G provides significantly faster Internet speeds to its subscribers. We anticipate no problems with mobile subscribers adopting 5G services due to the widespread availability of 5G devices on the market. The only thing that remains a work in progress for the 5G provider is making sure that services are available when they are needed.” From what has been said, it would appear that Malaysia is prepared to reap the benefits of 5G, albeit there may be some difficulties in rolling out the technology across the entire country.

The Role of IX Operators in 5G Deployment

Wong explored the possible impact of the 5G rollout on Internet Exchange Operators (IX) and the networking environment. To paraphrase Wong, “The super-low latency connectivity that has been promised for 5G is already a reality (URLLC). Hosting material as near to the end-user as feasible is essential for providing such low-latency connectivity. A caching server installed in the cell tower would allow for this to happen. However, not all data can be stored in a cache. Without caching, a 5G operator’s best bet for providing low-latency connectivity to end-users is to peer heavily with the nearest IX node so that data may be offloaded as close to the user as feasible.”

As for Malaysia, Wong elaborates, “So that 5G operators in Malaysia may peer widely with networks in the different DE-CIX nodes and provide low latency connectivity to the end-user, DE-CIX is actively establishing more IX nodes around the nation. To connect with its downstream application service providers, 5G operators can use the DE-standardised, CIX’s neutral, and protected interconnection platform.”

It seems that IX operators will have a significant role to play in ensuring that end-users experience low-latency connectivity as a result of the rollout of 5G. 5G operators can provide high-quality connections while significantly reducing transport costs by employing traffic offloading methods and collaborating with IX operators.

Connectivity and Innovation in Malaysia

“There are a few reasons for the prioritisation of urban area rollout for a 5G operator: Due to its promise of high-speed connectivity, 5G has relied on the fibre backhaul much more than the previous generation of mobile technologies, 3G/4G for instance. Such fibre infrastructure is typically more ready in urban areas,” Wong remarked. Also, from a business perspective, a 5G cell site in a densely populated metropolitan location may support more users than one in a rural area. Users can be covered more quickly if the network is rolled out in metropolitan areas.

“While understanding these facts, it is also confident that the country’s 5G operator, being the government-led single wholesale network operator, would prioritise development of rural coverage in order to overcome the digital divide,” Wong added. Although it appears that most 5G deployment has occurred in metropolitan areas, especially in this region, there is still an opportunity for rural regions to grasp the benefits of the technology if the right initiatives are taken.

It is commonly considered that 5G would have a good effect on the economy and encourage businesses and consumers to embrace digitalisation and automation if and only if the deployment of 5G in Malaysia is eventually initiated, as broadly as possible throughout the complete map of Malaysia. Productivity and efficiency may improve as a result. It is anticipated that downstream sectors would benefit from the substantial investment in 5G infrastructure.

Wong also anticipates that the deployment of 5G will result in increased download rates, expanded service areas, and more reliable connections for its consumers. He even highlighted how many more devices may be connected to the internet and the possibilities for new apps and services made possible by 5G technology, such as virtual and augmented reality.

The deployment of 5G technology in Malaysia is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and drive digitalisation. Wong emphasised the important role of Internet Exchange Operators (IX) in providing low-latency connectivity to end-users and noted that 5G’s high-speed connectivity will improve download speeds, expand service areas, and increase productivity and efficiency. Although the availability of 5G services may be a work in progress, Wong remains optimistic about the potential benefits of the technology in Malaysia.

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