THE government’s refusal to allow mobile network service providers to charge extra for access to the 5G network shows it is committed to reducing the burden on the people.

Online trader Farhana Zakaria, 32, uses 5G technology to sell her products on e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and social media.

“For me, there is no need for additional charges because there were no charges even in the old 3G era. Like me, online traders really depend on this facility.

“Besides, many people today are facing financial difficulties, if there are additional charges, usage will be limited because the people have to pay more and cannot take advantage of the technology and facilities provided by the government,” she said.

Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah, said it is appropriate to ensure that consumers are not left behind in getting 5G access.

Saravanan said the decision takes into account the current rising cost of living and is confident that it will increase the productivity of the people because 5G technology is a development that has significantly different capabilities compared to the previous 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G technologies.

“The technology is not only capable of providing a high-speed Internet experience at a rate of 10 to 100 times or up to 1.5GB per second compared to 4G technology, but also has a better quality connection.

“The efficiency of this connection which ultimately makes the rate of energy consumption lower on user devices, thus has great potential to boost mobile communication through innovation, in addition to creating a new industry that brings great benefits to the entire economy,” he said when contacted.

Saravanan hopes that despite the efficiency of the 5G technology, the government must investigate consumer complaints of any additional charges.

On January 9, Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that no additional charges would be imposed by telecommunications companies on users to gain access to the 5G network and this decision was conveyed by all chief executive officers of telecommunications companies to him.​ – Bernama, January 15, 2024.