James Kon
Brunei Darussalam is set to launch its 5G service soon, with importance levelled on transforming 5G ideas and visions into actionable activities as well as identifying and testing applications that will lay the building blocks and create value for the Digital Economy in the Sultanate.
Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN) Chief Executive Officer Dr Steffen Oehler discussed the expected launch during his talk on ‘Readiness: What to expect and where are we now?’.
The discussion aimed to create greater awareness on UNN efforts towards serving the Sultanate’s digital telecommunications and offering wholesale telecommunication services to both national and international clients, in modernising the network, enabling more connectivity and transforming the country into 5G readiness.
“Technology is an enabler with 5G infrastructure, data centre, Cloud, IoT and other components are already available in Brunei Darussalam,” he said.
Outlining the 5G roadmap, he explained that planning started with the implementation of the proof concept network in Brunei Darussalam in April 2020, and that “more than two years ago, 5G was already in Brunei Darussalam, but not for public use”.
“We started rolling out modernised mobile network, which is currently delivering great experience on the 4G side, but the network is built to carry 5G. Ninety per cent of based stations in the country are already modernised and in place with the technology to start 5G services in the country.
“We started quite early with the Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) and other organisations with the taskforce. We need to bring to the table people who can contribute, starting with education, skills, university and young minds, among others. The infrastructure is ready for the 5G launch,” he explained.
The talk was part of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022) Digital Technology Week.
