KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s second 5G network has reached 54.9% coverage across populated areas, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil revealed — marking a major step in expanding nationwide connectivity and ensuring competition in the sector.
Fahmi said U Mobile had briefed him on the progress of the rollout, which began in August 2025 after receiving approval from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“The development of this second 5G network is important to ensure healthy competition, wider coverage, and better service quality for the people,” he said in a social media post.
Putrajaya currently records the highest coverage at 99.7%, followed by Kuala Lumpur (90.9%), Labuan (90.8%), Penang (82.3%), and Selangor (70.9%).
U Mobile launched its Ultra5G network with standalone (SA) and 5G Advanced capabilities from day one, beginning with coverage at Berjaya Times Square and the Penang Bridge. The network later expanded to Kota Kinabalu ahead of the Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.
The telco is also focusing on improving in-building 5G coverage for stronger signal penetration, targeting 175 buildings within the next year and more than 600 buildings within four years.
U Mobile aims to achieve 80% 5G population coverage by the second half of 2026, and to push that figure to 90% within the following year. Huawei and ZTE have been appointed as its 5G technology partners. — October 13, 2025