- Why is 5G so important and timely for Malaysia?
- What factors are helping executives chart the right course to fully capitalize on 5G as a key growth catalyst?
Various industry commentators have heralded 5G as a real game changer that will transform the way we live and do business. Cloud robotics and autonomous vehicles aside, much of the 5G hype has centered on consumer mobile connectivity, with the promise of blazing-fast network speeds with ultra-low latency.
All over the world, wireless carriers are scrambling to roll out 5G, touting it as the technology that will change lives. Certainly the 5G hype machine is in full swing. But is the excitement justified? How will 5G change our world?
With power through the hype
What is 5G and what is special about it? Simply put, it’s a new global standard for cellular technology that’s significantly faster, more reliable, and more energy efficient than its 4G iteration. This means users can receive and send information faster while supporting multiple network-connected devices.
5G is an accelerator and enabler for rapid transformation. This revolutionary advancement goes beyond the mere ability to bring uninterrupted live streaming services to mobile users. The greater potential of 5G lies in industrial use cases, with applications across diverse industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare, education, utilities, media and broadcast, and the public sector.
Beyond pure speed, the hyper-connectivity of 5G delivers tremendous connectivity performance with virtually no lag. This can mean greater efficiencies in delivering industrial solutions by supporting data-hungry applications like the Internet of Things (IoT) and enabling innovation using augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning , computer vision, remote applications and the metaverse.
Meanwhile, 5G continues to evolve. Of the three core 5G service areas, it is Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) that the general public is most familiar with. The remaining two are mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communications), used to connect large numbers of devices, and URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications), which supports mission-critical applications that require network reliability and low latency. Slice products for these remaining areas are expected to be ready next year, with live testing of these key technologies already underway.
Success stories in the making
The main benefit of the 4G successor is the transformation and competitive advantage it can offer to businesses. In the healthcare space, 5G offers service providers the potential to perform tasks that previously might seem like a scene from a science fiction movie. For example, doctors can offer physical therapy remotely via AR/VR, while paramedics in an ambulance taking a patient to the hospital can share real-time information with waiting medical staff.
In 2019, a doctor in the Chinese city of Sanya rolled out 5G-enabled camera systems and remote-controlled devices to perform remote brain surgery on a Parkinson’s patient in Beijing, some 3,050km away. This would previously have been impossible due to video lag and remote control lag on the 4G network.
Meanwhile, in the retail industry, 5G can be used for consumer predictive analytics, allowing retailers to analyze information gathered from consumers and provide personalized recommendations. The technology can also be used to potentially generate higher sales by allowing shoppers – and casual shoppers – to determine the right size and fit by trying on products in virtual fitting rooms.
Many retailers are already using IoT and AI technologies to offer their customers more immersive and engaging experiences. Adidas embeds NFC (Near Field Communication) chips in some of its products, so shoppers with an NFC-enabled phone can tap them to get detailed product information and see reviews. The next iteration, the company says, could be a shoe that sends information to a consumer without the need for an NFC reader or cable by using 5G technology.
Performance of private 5G
Executives will recognize that not all organizations can choose to rely on public 5G networks. Businesses with different parameters and operations in specific locations that require dedicated 5G connectivity will be drawn to private networks that also offer increased security and address privacy concerns. These include, but are not limited to, companies in operations and production-critical industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and logistics.
Petco Park, a baseball stadium in downtown San Diego, California, recently installed private 5G infrastructure to provide fans with a hands-free and more convenient experience. The implementation of the network will enable employees to effortlessly complete contactless concessions, ticketing, and grocery, beverage, and merchandise transactions through their iPads and point-of-sales (POS) devices.
While private 5G requires a high initial investment, with a long-term commercial agreement, companies can be confident of a clear and positive cost-benefit ratio. Studies have shown that 5G could offer benefits more than four times the initial cost of implementing the technology.
Further development of digital Malaysia
As always, the ability to differentiate and provide a better customer experience depends on the innovative approach each operator takes in building their 5G connectivity platform and solutions.
As one of the key enablers for a digital Malaysia, Telekom Malaysia(TM) has evolved into a people-centric TechCo offering digital solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for communities, businesses and government. This also applies to 5G initiatives by TM One, TM’s business solutions arm for the enterprise and government sectors.
TM One plays a unique role in unlocking opportunities for its customers, leveraging its experience in next-generation digital services and intelligent solutions, enabling 5G connectivity for diverse industries. With a comprehensive portfolio of data centers and cloud services, cyber security, connectivity, business services and intelligent solutions, it has a clear advantage over other telecom providers.
TM One is already working with several organizations to provide intelligent solutions with 5G. In Putrajaya, Ipoh and Kulai, it has worked with local authorities to set up intelligent surveillance systems that monitor public areas and automatically analyze live footage to detect users in real time and warn of unwanted incidents.
Such initiatives have also helped reduce traffic congestion and improve overall traffic management and traffic analysis with its intelligent traffic light system in Cyberjaya, Ipoh and Kuala Selangor, resulting in reduction of carbon emissions in those places. In Kuala Lumpur, it offers its smart parking solution that allows drivers to check parking space availability and book in real-time. It also encourages the use of public transport by informing motorists about park and ride facilities.
TM One actively encourages industry to harness the potential of 5G by collaborating with leading technology and smart solutions partners in an innovation ecosystem. TM One’s 5G Sphere was recently launched to drive business innovation and transformation.
The advance of 5G is inevitable, and leading companies are considering how they will embrace this latest growth catalyst. With TM One’s extensive track record as the leading and trusted digital solutions partner for Malaysia’s corporate and government sectors, these leaders can rest assured that they are ready for a 5G future.
Introducing TM One’s 5G Sphere, Shazurawati Abd Karim, Executive Vice President of TM One, stated that TM One is ready to partner with organizations to drive growth and innovation in industries such as smart cities, healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics and transportation , Oil & Gas and Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI).
“Beyond speed, 5G hyper-connectivity means massive connection performance with virtually zero lag that can help transform how industrial solutions are delivered. Enterprises can use 5G to leverage data at the edge to transform their operations and business agility and jump to the next level.”
Scan the QR code to explore the TM One 5G solution or click here.
For more information, visit TM One’s dedicated 5G website at www.tmone.com.my/5G. For more insight into TM One’s private 5G, visit blog.tm.com.my/private-5g-accelerating-towards-fourth-industrial-revolution
