Hisham Jalil
LETTER| The 5G technology has been touted as the next big thing in the world of wireless communication.
5G’s faster speeds, lower latency, and increased bandwidth will undoubtedly transform the way we interact with technology.
However, the successful deployment of 5G technology is not just a matter of technological advancement; it also requires proper infrastructure and government involvement.
The benefits of 5G technology are clear. The increased speeds and lower latency will enable faster download and upload times, improved video conferencing, and greater capacity for data transfer. This will allow businesses to improve their services and better meet the needs of their customers, and individuals to enjoy better connectivity and faster access to information.
Additionally, 5G technology will enable the deployment of advanced technologies such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things.
However, for these benefits to be fully realized, the 5G infrastructure must be deployed in a way that ensures equitable access for all citizens. This is where government-led initiatives such as Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) come into play.
The Malaysian government’s involvement in the 5G rollout is crucial for ensuring that the technology is accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
This is where claims made by former Second Finance Minister, Johari Ghani that Government led initiative on 5G is a waste of tax payers’ money does not consider the larger societal benefits of government involvement in crucial infrastructure projects like 5G rollout, which are essential for ensuring equitable access to key utilities for all citizens
Hard data supports the importance of government involvement in key infrastructure projects like 5G rollout.
According to a report by the International Telecommunication Union, countries with high levels of government involvement in broadband deployment have higher levels of broadband penetration and lower prices compared to those with low government involvement.
In Malaysia, the government’s involvement in the rollout of broadband infrastructure has led to an increase in internet penetration from 20% in 2006 to over 80% in 2021.
This shows the importance of government involvement in ensuring equitable access to key utilities like high-speed internet.
Comparative analysis of 5G rollout in ASEAN countries also supports the importance of government involvement.
In countries like Singapore and South Korea, where the government played a significant role in the deployment of 5G infrastructure, the technology was rolled out quickly and is now widely available to the public.
In contrast, countries like Thailand and Indonesia, where the private sector was primarily responsible for 5G deployment, have seen slower rollout and limited access to the technology.
The government’s involvement in 5G rollout is not just essential for equitable access but also for better oversight and coordination of the project. Private companies may prioritize profits over public good, resulting in uneven distribution of resources and unequal access to the technology.
However, a government-led initiative like DNB can prioritize equitable access and ensure that the project benefits all citizens, not just a select few.
This is critical for ensuring that all Malaysians can benefit from the technology and that no one is left behind in the digital age.
Moreover, government-led initiatives like DNB can generate jobs and boost economic growth. The construction and maintenance of the infrastructure required for 5G technology will create employment opportunities and support local businesses.
Additionally, by providing high-speed internet access to businesses and individuals, the government can stimulate the growth of the digital economy and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global market.
According to a report by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the digital economy contributed RM 270 billion to Malaysia’s GDP in 2019, with the potential to grow to RM 500 billion by 2025.
This highlights the importance of government involvement in infrastructure projects like 5G rollout for economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the allegations made by Johari Ghani against the 5G rollout and DNB in Malaysia ignore the broader societal benefits of government involvement in infrastructure projects.
By spearheading the project, the government can ensure equitable access to key utilities for all citizens, provide better oversight and coordination, generate jobs, and boost economic growth, and promote sustainable development.
These are all critical components of a prosperous and equitable society, and it is essential that the government plays an active role in ensuring their realization.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiapost