DNB, Ericsson launch 5G experience center in Malaysia

Ericsson was in charge of the deployment of DNB’s 5G network infrastructure across Malaysia

Malaysian state-run 5G network Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) has launched what it claims to be the largest 5G experience center in the country in partnership with Swedish vendor Ericsson.

The main aim of the new facility is to raise awareness and promote the adoption of 5G across Malaysia.

Named “My5G Portal”, the center has been set up by DNB with the support of Ericsson to provide an interactive and immersive environment for visitors to experience and understand the impact of 5G technology on enterprises and consumers.

The new 5G center, located at the lobby of the TRX Exchange 106 tower where the DNB office is located, is meant to serve as a learning hub for customers, partners, industry, academia as well as government officials to understand the potential of 5G technology by showing the performance of 5G products and services ithrough live demonstrations and technology showcases.

“By providing a platform for education, innovation, collaboration and the demonstration of 5G capabilities, the ‘My5G Portal’ experience center will serve as an enabler for Malaysia’s digital transformation. Here, stakeholders and consumers will see the real-world value of 5G, which can lead to increased interest, investment and the widespread adoption of 5G technology,” said David Hägerbro, head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

DNB’s chief strategy officer, Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid, said: “Starting with an overview of how 5G connectivity makes our vision of tomorrow possible today, you will then discover what goes into building a 5G network, thanks to our partner, Ericsson. As part of its socio-economic contribution as DNB’s network equipment provider, Ericsson has shared its expertise and technology to assist us in creating an interactive and immersive environment.”

The new facility includes an area showing the vision and purpose of DNB and the key capabilities of the DNB network. Another area showcases applications with focus on enterprise opportunities.

Some of the 5G use cases demonstrated at the center include a hologram, connected ambulance, smart surveillance cameras (in partnership with Axis), mission critical communications, 5G for connected enterprises, 5G for education, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and 5G remote driving.

In Malaysia, Ericsson manufactures its 5G radio equipment in Penang and hosts a global maintenance center in Bukit Jelutong. Malaysia is also the base for an Ericsson regional competence hub comprising 5G expertise and regional support functions.

DNB was set up by the Malaysian government in 2021 as a special purpose vehicle to develop the country’s 5G network infrastructure, which private telecommunications firms would use to offer 5G services to their customers. DNB’s 5G network was deployed by Ericsson.

In May, the government announced it will enable the deployment of a second 5G network in 2024, adding that a new entity will be created to manage Malaysia’s second 5G network.