Malaysia shows improved 5G mobile experience since Nov 2022, says report
The country's sole 5G network has helped improve the experience for users.
Malaysian users are getting much better mobile internet speeds, thanks to its national 5G network owned by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB).
Instead of having multiple network operators roll out their own network, Malaysia uses a wholesale network that operators tap on.
This has led to an improved experience for users, according to a report by mobile network analytics company OpenSignal.
The report points out that users on 5G get much better faster download speeds on average — 30.4Mbps on 4G versus 105.8Mbps, as well as a better gaming experience, too.
While densely populated areas such as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya did not see significant changes in speeds, larger and less populated areas such as Terengganu showed significant speed improvements. In Terengganu, for example, speeds improved by 31 per cent, from 294Mbps to 386Mbps.
The report also highlighted that some areas are seeing more 5G usage compared to six months prior.
The states of Pahang, Kedah, Terengganu are now using 5G two to three times more, but users in Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka, and Putrajaya have remained around the same.
No breakdown by device
One statistic missing from OpenSignal's report was a breakdown of users via device type.
Typically, a region would see less 5G usage if the majority of customers are still using 4G.
But it could also be implied that the increase in 5G does mean that customers are switching to 5G devices and subscribing to 5G network plans.
The fact that densely populated areas such as Kuala Lumpur remain unchanged in terms of 5G speeds or usage could also mean that there are likely more affluent users who can afford to purchase newer phones and more expensive plans.
This would mean that users have to share bandwidth, and that most are already on 5G, hence the minor increase in 5G connection uptime compared to more rural states.
Which are the best 5g networks in Malaysia, according to OpenSignal's report?
While 5G only having launched just a year ago in Malaysia, OpenSignal says that 5G has already proven its worth over current 4G networks.
According to OpenSignal, Digi is currently the fastest with 440.7Mbps download speeds in its March 2023 report, with Unifi taking second place with 378.1Mbps.
However, if you are looking at 5G availability across the country, OpenSignal says the Yes network offers the most coverage in Malaysia.
Do you have a story tip? Email: malaysia.newsroom@yahooinc.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
