5G ‘live’ demo in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Penangites will soon get to experience the full potential of 5G technology.

The country’s seven telecommunications operators, including U Mobile Sdn Bhd, will stage “live” demonstrations of the new technology’s capabilities in 19 locations across the state this month.

State executive councillor in charge of infrastructure Zairil Khir Johari told a press conference yesterday that anyone can be given access to the technology to help them understand the functions.

The 5G initiative will cover three areas – smart city connection, industry and tourism.

U Mobile will offer smart facial recognition and smart automation production capabilities in collaboration with Hotayi Electronic Sdn Bhd in Batu Kawan.

Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd will offer a “smart building concept” at the Penang Development Corporation office in Komtar.

Zairil said the 5G network is expected to go online by the third quarter of the year. It will form part of Penang’s telecommunications network through the Penang Connectivity Master Plan.

The plan will see the installation of new telecommunications towers and the laying of fibre optic cables to enable 5G super high speed connectivity.

The seven operators will spend a total of RM23.2 million to leverage on the rollout of 5G to generate hi-tech jobs, innovation and smart connections in line with Vision 2030 development goals.

Zairil said the state government would unveil proper procedures to deal with potential protests from those who oppose the building of the towers or laying of cables in their neighbourhoods.

The 5G initiative was recently unveiled by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Langkawi.