READINESS OF MALAYSIAN DIGITAL NETWORK IN FACING COVID-19

(1)

READINESS OF MALAYSIAN DIGITAL NETWORK IN FACING COVID-19

Digital Outlook Series 2020

Impact of Covid-19 Towards Mobile Wireless Development

Prof. Dr. Mohamad Yusoff Alias

(2)

PRE-COVID

(3)

State of Mobile Wireless

Technology

(4)

Figure 1: Example of mobile networks

Malaysia is a mobile-first country

4

(5)

Figure 3: Global ICT developments from 2001 to 2019

Source: International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Measuring digital Development Facts and figures 2019

Figure 2: Evolution of mobile network technology from 1G to 5G

Mobile Network Technology

◆ Analog

◆ Voice only, limited coverage and mobility. Examples: AMPS, NMT450

◆ Digital

◆ Improved voice, security, coverage, SMS, data.

◆ Example: GSM, IS-95

◆ Enhancement of 2G

◆ Example: EDGE, GPRS

◆ Mobile data

◆ Higher data rates, smartphones, better voice.

◆ Example: WCDMA, CDMA2000

◆ Enhancement of 3G

◆ Example: HSDPA, HSPA+

◆ Mobile Broadband

◆ High speed data, better

smartphones. Example: LTE/LTE-A, WiMAX

◆ eMBB, mMTC, URLLC

◆ Even higher speeds, ultra-reliable, low latency, high connection density

Telecommunication Network

5

Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

(6)

◆ The 5G test bed was coordinated by MCMC at Putrajaya and Cyberjaya from November 2018 until October 2019.

◆ The trials were aimed to explore the practical uses and modes of implementation of 5G, as well as to learn the requirements for policies, regulations and spectrum planning.

5G Testbeds

◆ Involve government, telcos and industry

◆ 72 uses cases under 9 verticals: smart city, agriculture, education, entertainment/media, digital healthcare,

manufacturing, energy, transportation and

tourism.

◆ 56 live sites across 6 states with an initial investment of RM116 million.

A systematic

implementation of 5G in

phases for exploration of the capabilities of the

technology, validation of its potential use and

examination of any arising issues.

5G Demonstration Projects (5GDP)

Framework in Malaysia

5G Malaysia

Figure 4: States involved with 5GDP

Source: 5G Malaysia demonstration projects – Media Briefing, MCMC, 2019, Sep 30

6

(7)

◆ Fiber Optic

◆ Micro-wave

◆ Millimeter-wave (incl.

Terragraph, WiGig)

Backhaul/Fronthaul Options

◆

◆New and more efficient fronthaul protocol, namely eCPRI.

◆ Different operating frequency will have different capacity.

◆CU-DU-AAU

◆Comparison to 4G

Spectrum

◆

◆ eMBB, mMTC & URLLC

Characteristics

Key Comparison 4G-5G

Fronthaul

Protocol: eCPRI

Higher data rate

> 10Gbps

Low latency

< 1ms Increase capacity

> 1 million devices per km²

Spectrum Data Rate Features

20-90 GHz 20 Gbps Extreme local data rates

Below 6 GHz 2 Gbps High rates with urban macro sites Below 1 GHz 200 Mbps Wide area and deep

indoor

The telecommunication sector is currently experiencing another step of evolution in mobile network technology, often referred to as 5G - the near future network. A step in evolution of mobile network technology – 5G, the near future network.

5G characteristics and comparison with 4G.

Technical Requirements

Figure 5: Characteristics of 5G Table 1: Characteristics of the different frequencies of 5G, Source: 5G Technology Components, Nokia, 2017

Network of the Future

5G and Future Network

7

(8)

Assessing Adoption Readiness of

Future Network

(9)

Verizon began rolling out its 5G services in Chicago and

Minneapolis on April 3, 2019, a week ahead of schedule.

United States (USA)

Vodafone/Huawei launched 5G network in 15 major Spanish cities on June 15, 2019.

Spain EE launched 5G network in 6 cities (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Birmingham and Manchester on May 30, 2019.

United Kingdom (UK)

Ericsson/Swisscom launched 5G network in 54 cities and communities on April 17, 2019

Switzerland

South Korea (SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus) launched the world’s first nationwide 5G mobile on April 3, 2019

South Korea

Figure 6: 5G global rollout map as of June 15, 2019

Source: 5G Commercial Network World Coverage Map,

Worldtimezone.com, 2019

A look at the Global 5G scenario in comparison to Malaysia. This is followed by a look at the ASEAN scenario.

Most countries have begun to implement 5G since the beginning of April 2019.

Malaysia have started some demonstration

implementation and should be ready to implement 5G soon as well.

5G Benchmarking

Global 5G Rollout

9

(10)

Figures 7: Projected 5G Subscriptions in ASEAN by 2025

Source: 5G in ASEAN: reigniting growth in enterprise and consumer markets, A.T. Kearney Analysis, 2019 5G has enormous potential for operators in the ASEAN region that could add consumer and enterprise revenues in the future. Regardless of the challenges, most ASEAN countries including Malaysia are actively working on strategies to rollout 5G.

5G Benchmarking

Projected 5G penetration ^(%) Total 5G subscriptions ^million

10

Assessing Adoption Readiness of Future Network

Example : 5G Benchmarking (ASEAN 5G Rollout)

(11)

In order to support all the 5G requirements, the spectrum assigned for 5G is very significant.

Network Gaps & Challenges

Spectrum for 5G

Figure 8: Timeline for frequency spectrum for 5G implementations in Malaysia as published in the MCMC’s Final Report on Allocation of Spectrum Bands for Mobile Broadband Service

Source: Final Report on Allocation of Spectrum Bands for Mobile Broadband Service, MCMC, 2019

11

(12)

A look at current subscription rates based on technology.

Although the number of mobile subscribers seems to be reaching the peak, more subscribers are opting for latest generation of mobile and this gives a high hope for 5G demand in the future.

Figure 10: Mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions in Malaysia Source: ITU Country ICT Data 2018: Mobile- subscriptions, ITU, 2019 Figure 9: Percentage of subscribers in Malaysia based on the

mobile generations

Source: MCMC 2020 Q1 Facts and Figures, MCMC, 2020

Network Gaps & Challenges

Mobile Network

Mobile Technology Subscriptions

2019 2020 2017 2018

12

(13)

POST-COVID

(14)

Helping with financial hardship

Facilitating remote working

Leveraging the power of mobile big data

Maintaining network stability

Disseminating vital information

Connecting emergency services –

Figure 11: Initial response to the pandemic

Source: GSMA The Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2020 Report – June 2020

Initial response to the pandemic

(15)

Figure 12: Impact of 5G rollout

Impact on 5G rollout

15

(16)

Figure 13: Growth of mobile subscribers

5G starts to ramp up, while 4G dominates

16

(17)

17

Measure 1: Improving Financial Assistance

42. The Government will allocate

1.5 billion ringgit

^to

implement the Jaringan PRIHATIN Programme to alleviate the financial burden of the B40 group in accessing internet

services. During the first quarter of 2021, an estimated 8 million individuals in the B40 category will each be eligible to receive a

telecommunication credit

^{worth 180}

ringgit. This credit can be used for internet subscription, or defray part of the cost to buy new mobile phones. At the same time, telecommunication companies will match by providing benefits valued at 1.5 billion ringgit such as free data.

Measure 1: Digital Connectivity

115. The government recognizes the need for telecommunication networks as a third utility. In the new norm, virtual services are becoming more common. The development of infrastructure and upgrading of basic

telecommunications networks is necessary to meet the needs of a digital lifestyle.

116. Therefore, the Government will allocate 500 million ringgit to implement the National Digital Network

initiative,

JENDELA

to ensure the connectivity of 430 schools throughout Malaysia covering all states. At the same time, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will allocate 7.4 billion ringgit for year 2021 and 2022 to build and upgrade broadband services.

(18)

18

Improve coverage and quality of service and set the foundation for 5G

(19)

19

The national aspirations will be achieved via a phased approach and the priority is to maximize the existing resources and infrastructure

Current State (2020)

PHASE 1: JENDELA National Target

(2020-2022) Building the foundations by optimising existing

digital infrastructure PHASE 2: National

Aspirations (within RMK-12)

4.95 mil 7,5 mil 4.95 mil

91.8%

(*2022)

**100%

25 Mbps 35 Mbps (***2022)

100 Mbps

Premises Passed 4G Coverage Mobile Speed

1. Enhance the Rakyat’s experience on seamless connectivity at urban, suburban and rural areas.

2. Maximise 4G infrastructure and technology.

3. Extend 4G coverage and speed nationwide.

4. QoE is incorporated as part of quality.

**** Coverage in populated areas

20202020-2022Beyond 2020 **The achievement of the remaining 3.1% is subject to

physical survey and alternative technologies

*JENDELA will consider options on cost saving to meet the 96.9%.

***Original target to achieve 30Mbps was by 2023

****5G full deployment

5G planning and priming for infra to

be 5G-ready

5G demo projects

(20)

20

To ensure everybody can get online, fit-for-purpose wireless solutions will be deployed in different areas to maximize wireless broadband connectivity

P opul ati on (d ensity)

Low High

Mobile Broadband Fixed Wireless Access Satellite Broadband

⌐ Mass, personalized and on-the-go usage

⌐ Wide geographic coverage

⌐ Alternative for fixed (wired) broadband

⌐ Sparsely populated areas

⌐ Geographically challenging areas

⌐ Provide basic voice and internet access (e.g. WhatsApp,

Facebook, etc.) Urban

≥ 200 / sq. km*

Sub-urban 66 – 199 / sq. km*

Rural

20 – 65 / sq. km*

Remote

≤ 19 / sq. km*

*Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) 2010 Census Population Data

1 2 3

(21)

21

Four (4) quick win mobile projects will be implemented by 2021, while one (1) mid-term projects will further accelerate the achievement of the

desired impact by 2022

National Aspirations

Projects Targeted Project Sites* Year End Impact

4G Coverage in populated areas

Quick win 1. Construct 940 new sites in urban and suburban areas for quality and indoor coverage

improvement

2. Upgrade 4,589 existing 2G/3G base stations to 4G to expand 4G coverage and increase the speed

2020 2021

96.9%

Nationwide Coverage

Mid-term Construct 1,661 new sites across Malaysia to extend the mobile 4G coverage in rural and remote areas

2022

Wireless Broadband Speed

Quick win 1. Upgrade 16,214 existing base stations at urban and suburban areas

2. Sunset 3G network and migrate the spectrum for 4G technology use, hence, further improve the speed

2020

2021

35 Mbps

* The figures are subject to adjustments upon physical surveys of identified locations

READINESS OF MALAYSIAN DIGITAL NETWORK IN FACING COVID-19