{
  "id": 15150530,
  "title": "Malaysia explores 5G coverage beyond populated areas",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/malaysia-explores-5g-coverage-beyond-populated-areas",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T07:39:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1557479/malaysia-explores-5g-coverage-beyond-populated-areas"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BUTTERWORTH: The Malaysian Communications Ministry and the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are investigating the potential expansion of telecommunications coverage metrics to encompass key economic regions, such as ports, rail lines, and highways. These regions currently lack connectivity, despite playing vital roles within the economy. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil highlighted that the Coverage of Populated Area (CoPA) metric, commonly utilized by telecommunications firms and global bodies to denote connectivity in densely inhabited zones, necessitates revision. This is particularly pertinent for 5G access, as it pertains to locations devoid of residents yet instrumental in driving economic activities.\n\nFahmi mentioned that during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) meeting scheduled in Doha in November, the concept of extending 5G and subsequent technologies beyond CoPA to incorporate economically significant areas would be proposed. Penang Port, Malaysia's initial port to employ a private 5G network amidst a collaboration between Altel Communications Sdn Bhd (Altel) and Penang Port, serves as the inaugural example. Other stakeholders present included Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Telecommunications Infrastructure) V. Mano, and MCMC managing director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali.\n\nFahmi elaborated that these economically vital zones necessitate dependable connectivity to facilitate industrial procedures and prevent telecommunications facilities from being localized exclusively in inhabited areas. He also noted that private 5G networks could potentially be broadened to encompass manufacturing and logistics sectors, specifically multinational companies (MNCs) operating within the country. 5G networks, according to Fahmi, offer resilient connectivity and the capability to accommodate a multitude of devices concurrently, thereby supporting machinery and equipment that demand high precision.\n\nThe Communications Ministry and MCMC previously assisted in addressing internet connectivity challenges along major rail routes, wherein several areas overseen by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) along these rail lines lacked internet access. Fahmi underscored that based on their prior collaboration with the Transport Ministry, similar initiatives could be expanded, potentially incorporating 5G technology at ports nationwide. With regards to Penang Port's 5G launch, Fahmi emphasized that private 5G networks diverge from conventional 5G networks by furnishing dedicated communication channels for crucial industrial operations, thereby eliminating the necessity for users to share network capacity with others. He advocated for the expansion of this technology to encompass private enterprises, including manufacturing companies and oil palm plantation operators, in order to enhance operational efficacy and safety.",
  "summary": "BUTTERWORTH: The Communications Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will study the feasibility of expanding telecommunications coverage metrics, particularly for 5G, to include key economic areas such as ports, rail lines and highways.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Ports, railways and highways could be next in Malaysia’s 5G coverage push",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/ports-railways-and-highways-could-be-next-in-malaysias-5g-coverage",
        "published": "2026-10-17T07:30:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}