Why does the PM suggest Starlink over 5G for rural areas?

Question

Accepted Answer

Prime Minister Suggests Starlink Over 5G for Rural Areas Due to Perceived Cost and Accessibility Advantages

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated a preference for Starlink satellite kits over 5G technology for providing internet connectivity in rural areas, citing 5G's expense and urban focus. This suggestion comes as the Malaysian government reportedly ordered 40 Starlink kits for distribution to educational institutions. The Prime Minister's view posits that Starlink offers a more practical solution for areas lacking robust internet infrastructure, such as Sekinchan, by enabling coverage through rooftop installations.
Starlink as a Rural Solution

The Prime Minister articulated that Starlink could serve as a viable alternative where 5G infrastructure is either absent or prohibitively expensive. His statement suggests that Starlink's satellite-based approach can be deployed to cover specific areas, making it a more accessible option for rural communities and institutions like schools and universities. This perspective highlights a potential strategy to bridge the digital divide by leveraging satellite technology for remote connectivity.
Perceived Cost and Implementation Differences

Anwar Ibrahim's rationale implies that 5G is primarily designed for urban environments and carries a significant cost, making it less suitable for widespread rural deployment. Conversely, he suggests that Starlink, despite its own costs, presents a more straightforward or cost-effective method for achieving coverage in areas where traditional terrestrial networks are lacking. This comparison points to a perceived difference in the economics and implementation challenges of satellite versus cellular broadband technologies in the Malaysian context.
Existing 5G Coverage and Starlink's Market Position

Despite the Prime Minister's remarks, available data indicates that Malaysia's 5G network has achieved substantial population coverage, reaching 64.7 per cent by the end of June 2023, with specific mention of coverage in areas like Sekinchan. In terms of pricing, Starlink's standard plan in the US costs approximately RM549 per month, with hardware at RM2,738, and in the Philippines, a monthly plan is around RM226 with hardware costing RM1,675. These figures contrast with Malaysian wireless 5G broadband plans, which start as low as RM68 per month, such as U Mobile's U Home 5G, or Yes 5G's 120Mbps plan at RM148 per month. Based on monthly subscription costs alone, Starlink appears to be more expensive than current fibre broadband and wireless 5G offerings in the Malaysian market.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why does the PM suggest Starlink over 5G for rural areas?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends