Connectivity is undeniably the foundation of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint as the majority of the initiatives will not be able to take off if communications coverage is not spread evenly throughout the country.
In the blueprint, connectivity initiatives include heightening rural and education connectivity, a review of laws and legislations to enable broadband to be mandated as a utility as well as the rollout of 5G.
Generally, industry players are optimistic about the plans to roll out and expand connectivity coverage nationwide and lauded the idea of doing so in stages as technology tends to advance rapidly. This approach would allow the government to adjust and pivot its plans in the event that something better emerges, such as 6G.
CONNECTIVITY is a highlight of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. In his speech during the launch, he said the government would invest RM21 billion over the next five years to achieve better network connectivity. This will be carried out via Jalinan Digital Negara (Jendela), which was formulated to provide wider coverage and a better-quality broadband experience for the people, while preparing the country for 5G technology.
He also said several telcos will invest RM1.65 billion to build international undersea submarine cables to strengthen internet connection and enable faster and more stable international data transfer, thus lowering internet costs to consumers in Malaysia.