Need for speed
MALAYSIANS could possibly enjoy download speeds of over 110Mbps (megabits per second) if they are on YES’s network and own a smartphone that supports 4G+.
“YES has already made it available nationwide, but there aren’t many smartphones in Malaysia that support 4G+. From what we could tell, only the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has the technology that allows its users to enjoy this benefit for now,” said YTL Communications Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Wing K. Lee.
“We need more devices that are 4G+ ready, and apps that would benefit from the experience,” said Lee as he conducted a speed test to compare the YES 4G and 4G+ services.
The 4G+ download speed at the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, where the press conference was held, topped out at around 118Mbps, while 4G reached about 37Mbps.
Lee said that the company has invested over RM4bil to improve the digital infrastructure in Malaysia.
“We support the digital economy of Malaysia and to do that, we must have the right infrastructure. YES already has a 4G network nationwide, and we can seamlessly expand to 5G when the time comes,” said Lee.
YTL Communications chief operating officer Ali Tabassi added that YES doesn’t have any plans to use low-band spectrum, which penetrates walls better for better indoor coverage.
“Instead, we are looking at ways to improve the coverage from within the building,” said Tabassi.
Wireless coverage mapping company OpenSignal has recognised YES as the telecommunications provider with the fastest overall download speed and best LTE signal availability in Malaysia. — Sharmila Nair