Tag: 5G

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has selected U Mobile as Malaysia’s second 5G network. The selection based on the evaluation criteria emphasising the provider’s ability to offer diverse and affordable 5G services enabling Malaysians to enjoy high-speed connectivity at an affordable price.

MCMC stated that the choice made is based on a combination of factors, including the submitted business and technical plan, complaint rates and customer satisfaction track records, and their performance in delivering other infrastructure initiatives. 

This includes significant contributions to the Universal Service Provision (USP) projects such as JENDELA Phase 1 and 4G Upgrading projects, which align with MCMC’s commitment to enhancing user experience and service excellence.

Through this selection, regulatory responsibilities for U Mobile can be enforced in accordance with established compliance requirements. In cases of non-compliance, penalties will be imposed. As the second 5G network provider, U Mobile is permitted to collaborate with other ecosystem partners, subject to MCMC approval. 

MCMC will continuously monitor and assess these partnerships to ensure their benefits are enjoyed by all Malaysians. 

It is worth noting that MCMC is aware of U Mobile’s current foreign shareholding, and is the license holder’s responsibility to inform MCMC of any changes in the company’s foreign ownership.

“With the establishment of a second 5G network, MCMC is paving the way for greater service flexibility and inclusivity. This development encourages competition and strengthens industry resilience, enabling Malaysians to enjoy high-speed connectivity at an affordable price. MCMC will continue to monitor quality standards among all service providers to ensure a robust and reliable telecommunications landscape for the nation’s future,” the commission said in a press statement.

In response to this, U Mobile had expressed theirheartfelt gratitude to the Malaysian government for selecting them to implement the nation’s second 5G network.

“We are excited to collaborate with various stakeholders, including MCMC and other telecommunications companies such as CelcomDigi and Telekom Malaysia to deliver world-class 5G-Advanced services to consumers. U Mobile has been proactively engaging with leading global technology providers including Huawei, with whom we have had a long and enduring partnership. U Mobile will also be working with DNB to ensure consumers continue to enjoy the best 5G experience,” the telco stated.

U Mobile also highlighted that in alignment with their commitment to the national agenda, U Mobile will reduce its foreign majority shareholding to 20%, ensuring greater Malaysian control and inviting participation from local investors.

Meanwhile, other giant Malaysian telcos–Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, and CelcomDigi–all have released separate statements related to the government’s decisions. Nonetheless, the three telcos have stipulated in their statements that their 5G offerings to customers remain unaffected and that they remain committed to serve their customers and continue working with the national government in improving national connectivity.

For context, the second 5G network refers to an additional 5G infrastructure that complements the existing Single Wholesale Network (SWN) model provided by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). This dual network (DN) approach introduces more competition in the telecommunications landscape, driving innovation and enhancing service quality. 

With the second 5G network, Malaysia can diversify service options, ensuring that consumers have access to more competitive prices and improved coverage. This step is crucial for bridging the digital divide and boosting economic growth through better digital infrastructure and wider reach, especially in underserved rural areas.

Singapore – M1 Limited (M1), one of Singapore’s leading Mobile Network Operators (MNO), has announced today that it is launching Zolaz, a cloud gaming subscription service that allows customers to play anywhere, anytime and on any device.

Zolaz caters to both mid-core and casual gamers with an ‘all-you-can-play’ on-demand gaming experience. Subscribers will be gaining unlimited access to over 400 high-quality PC and console titles including those by AAA publishers. Similar to Netflix and Spotify’s click-and-play model, games are streamed directly to users’ preferred devices without the need to wait for download and installation. A single account can be shared with up to four other profiles

Games in the catalogue include the BAFTA Games Award nominated first-person shooter, Metro Exodus, action RPG co-op from the Warhammer world, Warhammer: Chaosbane, as well as popular party game, Overcooked. Individual high scores and game history can also be stored directly on the cloud, freeing up device data storage.

“Cloud gaming has always been a possibility but its potential has so far depended on network speeds, data tariff, and latency. M1’s True 5G network resolves this with its high speed and low latency so that graphically intensive games can now be seamlessly played on-the-go and without need for expensive hardware,” said Manjot Singh Mann, CEO of M1. 

“M1 is on track to [roll out] nationwide 5G outdoor coverage by the end of this year. Zolaz is part of our 5G ambitions to develop and launch 5G commercial use cases across consumer, enterprise and government sectors,” Singh Mann added.

M1 customers can sign up for Zolaz online and in ‘My M1’ App. The cloud gaming subscription is priced at SGD14.98 per month with no contract. Customers who sign up now are also offered a one-month free subscription. 

The public will be able to experience Zolaz at M1’s flagship store at Peranakan Place from 2nd September. To celebrate the launch of the platform, M1 customers are invited to participate in their gaming tournament, Zolaz Battle Unlimited. Players must choose between Asphalt 9 or Chicken Invaders 4 to compete and submit their top scores by September 4th. 

The top four scorers of each game will be invited to compete against each other on 10 September. After pitting against each other in the semi-finals, the top scorer of each game will compete against TikTok Creators Alona (@pinoybrownie) and Denise (@denisealexis) from Hepmil Creators’ Network. The winner of each game in the grand final will take home the grand prize of a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G worth SGD2,398.

Singapore –Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has partnered with Singapore Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to hire and reskill 1,000 professionals in preparation for Singapore’s 5G rollout.

Of the trainee count, 30% will come from new roles, while the remaining will be telecom professionals who will be upskilled in the areas of the 5G network, cybersecurity, and solution engineering. 

IMDA said that the program is the first of its implementations from its overall objective to equip a total of 5,000 professionals over the next 3 years to develop a strong and 5G skilled workforce.

The program is in line with the government board’s ongoing TechSkills Accelerator initiative which aims to enhance training and placement opportunities for information and communications technology (ICT) jobs across the economy. For the program, IMDA has set up 5G Workforce Transformation Committees (WTCs) to oversee the planning and development of the trainees’ capabilities. In addition, a consortium composed of the National University of Singapore and Singapore Polytechnic has been appointed as the 5G and telecoms program manager. They will be tasked to aggregate hiring and training requirements of the WTCs through co-developing quality training that meets the demand of enabling Singaporeans to take on 5G jobs.

Lew Chuen Hong, chief executive officer of IMDA said, “Talent development is the next critical phase of our investment in 5G. This effort extends Singapore’s momentum in 5G following our investment in building infrastructure capabilities. We have worked with the local MNOs to unlock the potential of 5G for these 1,000 professionals and will continue to do so to create good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans. At the same time, to ensure we have a strong pipeline of 5G talent who are skilled and ready, IMDA is leading efforts to appoint credible training partners to develop 5G skills across the ecosystem. The first wave of training will begin at the end of 2020 with the MNOs’ 5G professionals.”