Malaysia edges closer to rolling out 5G broadcast by 2030
Malaysia is exploring the potential of 5G broadcast technology to complement delivery methods within the national broadcasting sector, Malaysian media has reported.
According to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently studying and testing the feasibility and the suitability of this emerging technology for local implementation.
He said, “MCMC has started conducting test-bed sessions to examine technical aspects, including spectrum interference issues and suitability under certain conditions, to assess the capabilities of this technology.”
The technical review, the minister added, aims to ensure the technology can be deployed without disrupting other broadcasting modes or existing telecommunications services.
Malaysia has already completed a proof-of-concept “first 5G-powered live broadcast” in 2024, where the National Day parade was broadcast via 5G over a commercial 5G standalone network, in collaboration with RTM, DNB, and Ericsson.
The trial covered video, audio, control, intercom, and monitoring, and aimed to show that 5G can handle an end-to-end broadcast pipeline. Features included network slicing to allocate resources specifically for the broadcast use case, according to Ericsson.
Expecting 5G broadcast to be rolled out within the next five years in Malaysia, Datuk Fahmi added, “Between 2027 and 2030, we will see greater development, because the technology is still very new as it requires specific chipsets to be installed in devices.”
Facing challenges such as device readiness, transmitter readiness, and the stability of connections, the full benefits of 5G broadcast might only be realised with the next two to three generations of mobile phones, he highlighted.
However, Datuk Fahmi highlighted several advantages of 5G broadcast, including an enhanced viewing experience for certain events through venue casting and faster delivery of emergency broadcasts.
“Broadcasts can be made very quickly and clearly, providing different perspectives using newer technologies such as 3D view and many other applications,” he said.
