The Penang government has allocated RM23.2 million to carry out the project launching the 5G demonstration project (5GDP) in collaboration with seven Network Facilities Providers (NFP) and Network Service Providers (NSPs).

Exco for Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation, Zairil Khir Johari said three verticals were identified as smart cities, industrial and tourism areas involving 19 use cases and had been approved by the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

He said the allocation for the purpose was provided by NFP and NSP companies and received support from agencies related to the academic, manufacturing and tourism industries.

"Among the projects being implemented are 5G live streaming at Penang International Airport and ultra-high speed internet access and virtual tour experience in Bukit Bendera," he told a press conference after the opening and announcement of the Penang 5G Demonstration Project at Auditorium A, Complex Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) is here today.

Zairil said Penang is currently working on the Penang Extension Master Plan (PCMP) to ensure the provision of coverage through absorption by every household in the state.

"The master plan is expected to be completed by September and will be the plan for the next 10 years to launch more infrastructure with 5G connectivity to ensure coverage for all citizens in the state," he said.

He said Penang now had very good coverage and almost all areas had 4G connection coverage but the capacity was still lower than in other states.