With nationwide coverage of the ultra-fast 5G network rolling out much faster than you think, Malaysia is finally being catapulted into a new and exciting age of technology. While you may believe 5G is only about faster internet and reduced loading screens, it actually plays an important role in a number of industries – from bettering business processes to making waves in the healthcare and security front, it is truly building a better future for Malaysia.
Despite this, many Malaysians are still hesitant to make the switch to 5G. From limited coverage to device incompatibility, there are numerous 5G myths and misunderstandings that the general public still believes – and who knows, you may even have some 5G misconceptions of your own!
If you’re still hesitant, it’s important to understand the differences when it comes to 5G, and clear up any misconceptions you may have. Here are six of the most common myths about 5G, officially debunked:
1. 5G coverage is limited and rollout is too slow
With the news of 5G deployment in other countries hitting the mainstream a few years ahead of us, it’s easy to believe that Malaysia is falling behind in comparison. However, this is not the case – we are currently at 90% coverage across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, and at 30% coverage nationwide! According to Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), we are on track to reach the target of 80% coverage in populated areas by 2024.
Even outside of Klang Valley, the 5G rollout is continuing to expand quicker than ever. In line with DNB’s rollout plan and Yes’ commitment to providing affordable 5G services and solutions for every Malaysian, Yes recently unveiled its Commercial 5G service in George Town, Penang. With coverage expected in every nook and corner of the country, even in the rural areas and outskirts, we can be assured that 5G access will be available for everyone in Malaysia, no matter where they are.
2. 5G upload and download speeds are slow in Malaysia
With unstable internet speeds being a common pain point for Malaysians, it’s no surprise that some may believe that 5G speeds would be the same. However, this is far from the case – Malaysia has the fastest upload speed and the second fastest 5G download speed in the world, and only one spot behind Seoul, South Korea! Malaysia currently has a 5G speed of 376.6 Megabits per second (Mbps), trailing at only 20.3% slower than Seoul.
According to an Opensignal report, KL-based users have seen a big difference in their average download speeds when connected to 5G instead of 4G – with the city’s download speeds being 19 times higher than its 4G download speed score.
3. Malaysia is the only country that has adopted a Single Wholesale Network (SWN)
With many viewing DNB’s Single Wholesale Network (SWN) as a risky move, one common misunderstanding is that Malaysia is the only country to have taken up the SWN. Contrary to popular belief, sharing a network has been a prominent move by many countries across the world, as it helps to reduce environmental impact.
In fact, countries such as China, home to the largest telco in the world ChinaMobile, is sharing their network with fellow telco ChinaTelecom. The SWN method is also being practiced by our neighbours in Singapore, with Starhub and M1 sharing the 5G network. It is also happening in the United States and other parts of the world.
4. If a 5G tower fails, you will lose 5G connectivity, due to Yes 5G being a part of a SWN
Just because the telcos share a connection, it doesn’t mean that you will lose connectivity when a single tower fails. Even if this occurs, DNB’s network is quite dense, and 5G smartphones are smart enough to switch their connection to the next tower, to continue providing you with seamless access to the 5G network.
5. Yes 5G plans do not support iPhone devices
For many iPhone users, switching to 5G may not even seem like an option – with many believing that their phones will never support a 5G connection. However, Yes has been in conversation with Apple in recent times, and will continue to pursue a deal with the company, to enable iPhone users to enjoy and experience the 5G network for themselves.
6. 5G is only for phones
It’s easy to believe that smartphones are the only devices that can access 5G. In reality, 5G technology is actually much more powerful and intelligent than you think. Not only can it be used on our basic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers, but it also plays a pivotal role in future-changing technology. From AI and complex data processing, to servers and even robotics, 5G will not just speed up our mobile internet, but also help shape the world we live in.
In fact, we can already see how 5G can make a difference in saving lives. In April of this year, First Ambulance Services (FAS) and Yes announced their partnership to bring the first 5G smart ambulance service to Malaysia. With in-vehicle Wi-Fi, ultrasound and extended reality (XR) powered telemedicine service, doctors will be able to assess patients remotely, and figure out the best course of action – all while the ambulance is en route to the hospital. This innovative smart ambulance fleet helps doctors save precious time and in turn, save precious lives, all thanks to 5G technology.
To serve Malaysians with a better interconnected 5G world, Yes also recently launched Malaysia’s first ever Wireless 5G Home Fibre – the Infinite Gateway, allowing for users to be able to connect to 5G with more than just their mobile phones. The Infinite Gateway, powered by Yes 5G, is a portable plug-and-play device that can be moved from room to room and connected up to 32 devices using its built-in Wi-Fi 6 support.
Now that you know the truth about 5G, what are you waiting for? It’s time to make the switch to 5G, with Yes’ new Infinite and Infinite+ plans. These revolutionary plans, along with free 5G smartphones, will ensure that Malaysians get to experience the best of what 5G has to offer, all at an affordable price.
As the first telco to bring 5G to Malaysia, Yes has been a trailblazer in ensuring all Malaysians have access to 5G. Whether it’s staying connected with your loved ones at all times, enjoying entertainment and seamless streaming speeds, or simply going through your day-to-day life without internet disruptions, 5G will truly help elevate your life in big ways and small.
Switch to 5G today with Yes Infinite and Yes Infinite+ mobile plans. The Basic plan starts at RM58/month, while the Standard, Premium and Ultra plans are priced at RM88/month, RM118/month and RM178/month. Get it now at https://bit.ly/Switch-To-5G, or sign up at any Yes stores or partner stores.
For more information about Yes mobile and broadband plans, kindly visit www.yes.my.
