MNOS, MCMC to Discuss Internet Quality Standards: Insights from Minister Fahmi
In a move towards enhancing Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, Malaysia’s Communications Minister has announced an upcoming collaboration between mobile network operators (MNOs) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). This partnership aims to address and revamp the criteria for internet service quality, focusing on users’ experiences.
The minister emphasized the imperative need to shift towards a framework that prioritizes the quality of internet experience. The initiative comes in light of adapting to contemporary demands for not just faster internet but also more reliable and user-centric services. This approach contrasts with the traditional metrics that solely measure the quality of service without accounting for user satisfaction and experience.
“In today’s digital era, it’s becoming clear that our priorities must evolve from strictly measuring service quality to understanding and improving the actual user experience,” remarked the minister during a showcase event. He added, “There’s a noticeable frustration among users regarding internet accessibility—like the absence of 5G connectivity in indoor spaces—even though they pay for high-speed services. Addressing these concerns is essential for progress.”
Discussions are under way to facilitate a meeting between MNOs and MCMC, potentially to be held during the Mobile World Congress pavilion. The goal is to carve out actionable strategies to enhance internet connectivity and meet the evolving needs of the public.
Furthermore, the minister has initiated conversations with Kuala Lumpur City Hall about adopting advanced 5G technologies. The initiative aims to accelerate the roll-out of smart city solutions, leveraging passive Internet of Things (IoT) applications for improved urban living. “Adopting such technologies can significantly enhance how cities operate, making them smarter and more efficient,” the minister suggested.
Another area under scrutiny is “in-building” coverage, which is often overlooked during the urban planning and construction phases. “Internet access has become a fundamental need, akin to other utilities. Therefore, ensuring in-building coverage from the planning stage itself is crucial for modern infrastructure,” stated the minister. He plans to advocate for this inclusion in urban planning guidelines through dialogues with the housing and local government ministry.
The announcement coincided with a pivotal 5G-Advanced technology trial, a first-of-its-kind in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Conducted by Maxis and Huawei, the showcase revealed 5G-Advanced’s potential to reach staggering peak speeds of up to 8 gigabits per second. This next phase in the 5G evolution, often referred to as 5.5G, is poised to offer a tenfold improvement in speed, device connectivity, and latency over the current 5G standards.
This technological leap was demonstrated at the ‘5G-Advanced Trial Showcase,’ capturing the attention of industry stakeholders and setting the stage for Malaysia’s representation at the upcoming Mobile World Congress. With Maxis leading the charge, Malaysia is geared up to showcase its advancements on the global stage, casting a spotlight on its commitment to spearheading digital innovation.
The concerted efforts of MNOs, MCMC, and other key players signal a decisive step toward refining Malaysia’s internet landscape, focusing on quality, reliability, and user experience. With these initiatives, the nation is well on its way to realizing its ambition of becoming a connected, smart, and digitally forward society.
