MWC Doha: Fahmi shares Malaysia’s 5G network progress, 90pc coverage achieved ahead of schedule

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil (right) attends the Ministerial Roundtable of the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (ITU PP-26) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), November 8, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Tuesday, 10 Nov 2026 4:32 PM MYT

DOHA, Nov 10 — Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil shared Malaysia’s progress in expanding its 5G network at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha 2026, with the country’s second 5G network achieving 90 per cent coverage last October, nine months ahead of schedule.

He said the achievement marked significant progress in Malaysia’s transition towards a dual 5G network model aimed at enhancing competition, encouraging investment and improving the quality of telecommunications services, according to a Bernama report. 

Fahmi said Malaysia had also made substantial investments in expanding and strengthening its digital infrastructure through the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) since 2020.

“As of July 2026, approximately 10.12 million premises had been covered by fibre-optic networks, significantly improving access to high-speed broadband services,” he said during the Ministerial Panel Forum on Digital Leadership at MWC Doha 2026 here on Sunday.

He said the developments reflected the country’s efforts to build a competitive and sustainable telecommunications ecosystem while ensuring consumers benefited from improved service quality.

However, Fahmi stressed that Malaysia’s digital infrastructure development was not solely focused on expanding network coverage, but also on service quality, subscription affordability and network resilience.

He said all these aspects needed to be addressed comprehensively to ensure digital connectivity delivered meaningful benefits to the people.

“Through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), we continue to encourage infrastructure sharing and efficient network deployment, while addressing connectivity gaps among underserved communities,” he said.

Fahmi said the Universal Service Provision (USP) framework also played an important role in extending telecommunications services to areas that might not be commercially viable through private investment alone.

He said this approach allowed Malaysia to balance infrastructure investment with the need to ensure telecommunications services remained accessible at affordable rates.

“For Malaysia, a successful network model is one that combines strong infrastructure, sustainable investment, effective regulation and meaningful access for all,” he said.

Fahmi is in Doha to lead the Malaysian delegation to the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference (ITU PP-26), which runs from November 6 to 11.

His working visit also carries the important mission of securing Malaysia’s re-election to the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term.

He is accompanied by Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Telecommunications Infrastructure) Mano Verabathran.

The Malaysian delegation also includes representatives from the MCMC and local telecommunications industry players, including Telekom Malaysia (TM), CelcomDigi, Maxis and U Mobile.