KUALA LUMPUR: In the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications, Malaysia's recent decision to introduce a second 5G network has sparked widespread concern, suggesting a drift towards a monopolistic future in the sector.
Under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, already facing scrutiny for its opaque interactions with Huawei and Chinese investors, the nation seems to be venturing down a familiar, perilous path that echoes previous policy missteps.
This strategic move has reignited a vital debate regarding the role of government oversight in ensuring equitable internet access. The scars of the 4G spectrum auction, tainted by collusion among telecom giants and exorbitant prices, linger in the public consciousness.
Adding to the complexity is the role of Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), a contentious entity in this narrative, whose involvement has only intensified scepticism given the nation's dismal 5G penetration rate.
One can't help but question whether this latest development might pave the way for a scenario where the telecom behemoths collude, inevitably leading to inflated costs and a shrinkage in competitive dynamics.
The transparency of Anwar's dealings, particularly the Huawei meeting, adds layers of complexity to this issue. The looming specter of a private duopoly in the 5G network realm is a distressing echo of monopolistic tendencies of yore, potentially stifling innovation and placing an undue financial burden on the Malaysian consumer.
Furthermore, the rationale behind introducing a second 5G network amidst these pricing dynamics remains shrouded in ambiguity. The prevailing apprehension is that this move is less about enhancing consumer services or reducing costs, and more a tactical play by telecom corporations to solidify their market dominance.
This approach threatens to establish a duopoly or monopoly in the 5G domain, reminiscent of past scenarios where limited competition led to inflated prices and stagnated innovation – a situation that looms large in the ongoing discourse surrounding Malaysia's 5G prospects.
In the broader context, a comparison with global 4G prices offers a window into the potential implications of this decision.
Malaysia's 4G data rates, while relatively low on the global scale but took over a decade to achieve 90% penetration rate nationwide, goes to prove that the telecom sector does not have consumer interest at heart, choosing to line the pockets of their shareholders.
However, the introduction of a second 5G network, against this backdrop, raises more questions than it answers about the intentions of telecom giants in a market already wary of monopolistic control.
As Malaysia stands at this pivotal technological crossroads, the government's decision to gamble on a second 5G network could be a historical repetition of misjudged policies. This high-stakes scenario leaves the welfare of consumers precariously balanced.
Will this strategy usher in a technological revolution, or regress the nation to the challenging times of telecom monopoly?
The unfolding narrative of Malaysia's ambitious yet fraught 5G journey holds the answer to these pressing questions, as the country navigates its way through the complex web of technological advancement and market dynamics.
* Ahmad Zaim Ahmad Tawfek used to assist a few Ministers in shaping the right and progressive economic, youth and foreign policies for Malaysia.
** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.
AWANI Columnist
Thu Dec 07 2023
Under the administration of Anwar Ibrahim, already facing scrutiny for its opaque interactions with Huawei and Chinese investors, the nation seems to be venturing down a familiar, perilous path that echoes previous policy missteps.
Isteri dibunuh dan dikerat-kerat, daging ditawar kepada jiran
Saksi memberitahu mangsa dipukul dengan kayu sebelum dibunuh kejam dan tubuhnya dikerat-kerat di tengah jalan.
AWANI Pagi: Berita tumpuan & menarik di astroawani.com [4 Mei 2024]
Antara fokus AWANI Pagi bersama Geegee Ahmad & Nursyazwani Saiful Sham
- Sambutan Hari Bomba Sedunia di Tambun, Perak
- Piala Thomas: KBS anjur tayangan perlawanan di skrin gergasi
- Sambutan Hari Bomba Sedunia di Tambun, Perak
- Piala Thomas: KBS anjur tayangan perlawanan di skrin gergasi
Malaysia berpeluang berkembang dengan manfaat kemajuan teknologi AI
Nadella berkata, perbincangan dan dialog mengenai cabaran AI sentiasa berlangsung bagi mencari penyelesaian dan menilai impak penggunaan teknoklogi berkenaan.
Tiga nyaris maut, kereta jatuh cerun di LPT1
Kesemua mangsa berjaya dikeluarkan menggunakan peralatan menyelamat sebelum dihantar ke hospital menggunakan ambulans APM.
Timbunan sisa runtuhan Gaza atasi Ukraine
UNMAS menganggarkan sisa runtuhan di Gaza berjumlah 37 juta tan atau 300 kilogram untuk setiap meter persegi.
ICC minta henti ancaman ke atas kakitangannya
ICC meminta sebarang tindakan untuk menakut-nakutkan atau mempengaruhi pegawainya dihentikan segera.
Setiausaha Agung PBB desak gencatan senjata dikuatkuasa di Gaza
Kenyataan ini dibuat ketika pusingan baharu rundingan tidak langsung dijadual berlangsung di Kaherah, Mesir.
ICC minta henti ancaman ke atas kakitangannya
ICC mengeluarkan kenyataan meminta tindakan mengancam kakitangannya berkaitan perkembangan perang di Gaza dihentikan segera
Setiausaha Agung PBB desak gencatan senjata dikuatkuasakan di Gaza
Setiausaha Agung PBB, ulangi desakan supaya Israel dan Hamas mencapai perjanjian gencatan senjata di Gaza
164 PAWE aktif di seluruh negara - Nancy
Sebanyak 164 Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE) yang aktif di seluruh negara setakat ini, kata Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Lembaga pengarah DNB bermesyuarat minggu depan, tentukan syor bagi hala tuju rangkaian 5G kedua - Gobind
Lembaga pengarah Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) yang baru dilantik akan mengadakan mesyuarat pada Selasa depan.
DNB umum ahli lembaga pengarah baharu merangkumi lima pengendali rangkaian mudah alih
DNB melantik ahli lembaga pengarah baharu, yang terdiri daripada pemimpin-pemimpin kanan industri telekomunikasi dan teknologi.
Isu DNB diputuskan minggu depan - Anwar
Isu berhubung dakwaan Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) bertindak tidak telus dalam menjalankan operasi dalaman, akan diputuskan kerajaan pada minggu depan.
Saham Maxis dinaik taraf kepada 'beli' - Penganalisis
Kebimbangan mengenai penglibatan Maxis Bhd dalam pelancaran rangkaian 5G mungkin diperbesar-besarkan, kata CIMB Securities.
Kenanga IB menjangkakan dasaar dwirangkaian 5G diumum pada suku kedua
Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB) menjangkakan kerajaan akan mengumumkan arahan dasar dwirangkaian 5G pada suku kedua (S2) tahun ini.
Gamuda Land, Digital Nasional Bhd bekerjasama dorong Pelan Bandar Pintar
MoU berkenaan memastikan penduduk, orang awam dan perusahaan dalam projek Gamuda Land meraih manfaat daripada kesalinghubungan terkini 5G.
Isu DNB masih belum diputuskan – Fahmi Fadzil
Status terkini berhubung pelaksanaan rangkaian 5G belum diperoleh dan perkara itu akan diumumkan dalam masa terdekat.
[KOLUMNIS] Pastikan Kabinet lebih berkualiti untuk rakyat
Pembangunan dan pelaksanaan 5G melalui DNb membolehkan kerajaan melalui kementerian berkaitan mengawal dan menyelia masa depan 5G kita.
Lima syarikat telco meterai MoU, terus perkasa rangkaian 5G - Fahmi
Lima syarikat telekomunikasi bersetuju untuk memeterai perjanjian persefahaman (MoU) sebagai usaha untuk terus mmemperkasakan pembangunan rangkaian 5G.
Ericsson bangunkan cip RAN terbaharu guna teknologi pembuatan cip Intel 4
Cip ini dibangunkan menggunakan proses pengilangan cip Intel 4 (4nm) melalui program IDM 2.0.