Kuala Lumpur, 8 October 2025 — The state of Selangor is targeting 100 percent 5G network coverage in its populated areas by early 2026, after reaching 96.9 percent as of end August 2025, according to state officials.
Dr. Mohammad Fahmi Ngah, State Executive Councillor for Islamic Religious Affairs and Cultural Innovation, said progress was slightly delayed due to the entry of a second network provider, U Mobile, which introduced complexity in coordinating infrastructure and avoiding duplication of coverage with the incumbent Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).
He explained that the expansion from a single-provider model to a dual-provider environment requires negotiation in areas such as tower site ownership and deployment rights, which has contributed to the modest lag.
At today’s launch of the IoT-Enabled Industrial Parks (IEIP) programme, Fahmi emphasised the importance of robust 5G connectivity to enable factory automation, machine-to-machine communication, and resilience in high-tech industrial ecosystems. The IEIP will initially cover 17 industrial parks across Selangor, integrating IoT, AI, 5G private networks, and intelligent utilities.
He noted, “With strong 5G connectivity, this IoT-powered industrial park can reach its full potential,” adding that coordination among service providers is essential to ensure coverage without redundant deployment.
Implications for Economy & Connectivity
- Industrial competitiveness boost: Achieving full coverage supports Industry 4.0 adoption among manufacturers in Selangor, giving them the connectivity backbone needed for smart factories, real-time analytics, and robotic automation.
- Attracting investment: Investors, especially in advanced manufacturing and digital services, may view Selangor more favorably given its roadmap toward ubiquitous 5G infrastructure.
- Telecom sector dynamics: The shift from a single-provider to multi-provider 5G framework highlights challenges around infrastructure sharing, site ownership, and coordination in deployment strategies.
- Digital inclusivity: Closing connectivity gaps in suburban or semi-rural communities within Selangor becomes more feasible under a full 5G rollout, potentially narrowing digital divides.
- Policy & regulation importance: The role of regulators (e.g. MCMC) and state-federal alignment will be critical in streamlining site access, permit issuance, and spectrum sharing to meet targets.
