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What is 5G?
5G is the 5th generation mobile network that’s based on the global wireless standard, fresh after 4G.
So just imagine your current 4G network, only faster and more efficient. The new 5G network delivers data at an extremely high speed and with an absolute crowd favourite—NO LAG.
It’s also so powerful that it can connect even more devices while still ensuring smooth, uninterrupted connection.
What's the difference between previous mobile networks and 5G?
Fun fact: there were 4 mobile networks before 5G, and each one had unique features that helped advance mobile technology. It's pretty incredible to see how far mobile networks have come, don't you think?
| 1st Generation | 1G existed way back in the 1980s providing mobile voice calling services, bringing in speeds of up to 2Kbps. |
| 2nd Generation | Then came 2G in the 1990s, with digital voice calls and SMS at speeds of up to 64Kbps. This is when Maxis entered the scene, being one of the first companies to bring mobile services to Malaysians. |
| 3rd Generation | In the 2000s, 3G made its debut, boasting faster speeds of up to 2Mbps. |
| 4th Generation | Then in the 2010s, 4G LTE changed the game by bringing mobile broadband and video up to speed at a whopping 100Mbps. This milestone also marked a significant moment for Maxis, as we took the lead in revolutionising connectivity by introducing 4G to the nation. |
| 5th Generation | Fast forward to the 2020s, 5G has arrived, and it's shaking up the mobile technology world with speeds of up to 10Gbps. |
1st Generation 1G existed way back in the 1980s providing mobile voice calling services, bringing in speeds of up to 2Kbps. |
2nd Generation Then came 2G in the 1990s, with digital voice calls and SMS at speeds of up to 64Kbps. This is when Maxis entered the scene, being one of the first companies to bring mobile services to Malaysians. |
3rd Generation In the 2000s, 3G made its debut, boasting faster speeds of up to 2Mbps. |
4th Generation Then in the 2010s, 4G LTE changed the game by bringing mobile broadband and video up to speed at a whopping 100Mbps. This milestone also marked a significant moment for Maxis, as we took the lead in revolutionising connectivity by introducing 4G to the nation. |
5th Generation Fast forward to the 2020s, 5G has arrived, and it's shaking up the mobile technology world with speeds of up to 10Gbps. |
How does 5G work?
How does 5G work?
It all starts with the basics of cellular networks. Each network has these towers that use radio waves to send and receive signals to and from our devices, allowing us to access the internet or make calls.
With 5G, data transmission happens even faster and in larger quantities, all thanks to higher frequency waves. This enables us to engage in data-heavy activities like video streaming, conferencing, and gaming, all while on the go. And let's not forget the immense benefits it brings to businesses and industries as the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes a reality.
How does 5G work?
What is 5G’s speed?
A notable upgrade that has everyone buzzing with excitement is 5G’s impressive speed. We know that it’s fast, but how fast is it actually?
It’s up to 10x to 100x faster than the speed of 4G in Malaysia, with peak speeds of up to 1Gbps. That’s pretty much like downloading an full HD movie in a matter of seconds.
Source : DNB
How does 5G work?
How many more devices can 5G connect?
5G has the ability to connect more machines simultaneously.
With this impressive feature, 5G connects up to 1000x times* more machines compared to 4G, paving the way for the thriving Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. In fact, it can seamlessly link up to 1 million machines within a square kilometer.
This means high technology ecosystems like smart cities can benefit from this enhanced functionality, as more devices and machines from across the globe can now easily “talk to each other”.
Source: DNB
Will it still lag with 5G?
The current wait time on the existing 4G network is about 0.03 seconds. But guess what? 5G changes the game. It transfers data between devices in under 0.01 second, giving you almost zero lag time.
How does it work? Well, it's all about that low latency rate. Let’s break it down - latency is the time it takes for data to travel from one place to another. With 5G, the latency is so low that responses are up to 5x quicker compared to 4G, with almost zero lag. Whether you're sending data across the street or across the world, 5G makes it happen in a flash.
How can 5G work for me?
So, we know that 5G is capable of great things. Well, what if we told you that you could actually use it for the things you love, even at home.
| ENJOY UNINTERRUPTED STREAMING | Love streaming? 5G is a game-changer. You can now binge away your favourite shows at up to 8K resolution without a single moment of buffer. |
| SMOOTH, LAG-FREE GAMING | Get immersed in gaming with lightning fast response times and zero lag that makes your experience feel like cheating (without breaking the rules). |
| VIDEO CALLING AND CONFERENCING IN HD | Say goodbye to ch-ch-choppy calls. With 5G, you can video call and attend meetings without any interruptions, all in the best quality. |
| LIVE STREAM IN HD | Stream like a pro with no more interruptions or delays. Now viewers can watch your live streams in HD quality. |
ENJOY UNINTERRUPTED STREAMING Love streaming? 5G is a game-changer. You can now binge away your favourite shows at up to 8K resolution without a single moment of buffer. |
SMOOTH, LAG-FREE GAMING Get immersed in gaming with lightning fast response times and zero lag that makes your experience feel like cheating (without breaking the rules). |
VIDEO CALLING AND CONFERENCING IN HD Say goodbye to ch-ch-choppy calls. With 5G, you can video call and attend meetings without any interruptions, all in the best quality. |
LIVE STREAM IN HD Stream like a pro with no more interruptions or delays. Now viewers can watch your live streams in HD quality. |
Can 5G improve 4K and 8K video viewing experiences?
With superfast speeds and low latency, 5G is transforming the streaming experience like never before. But you might be wondering - how exactly does all of that happen? Let us break it down for you.
Imagine those breathtaking 4K and 8K videos, leaving you in awe. But with a slow connection, the experience turns choppy, far from the desired HD quality.
That's where 5G comes in, delivering a high-speed connection that's 10x faster with wider bandwidth. This upgrade improves the clarity and impressiveness of 4K and 8K content. And, it's not limited to entertainment—industries like manufacturing and healthcare can also harness the power of high-resolution video transmission for virtual precision.
How does 5G enhance content creation?
For content creators who are out and about, a strong mobile network is important to have in order to reach out to their audiences. Facts: No one likes choppy streams and grainy content. That’s why 5G plays a big role in a content creator’s busy lifestyle as it allows for HD streaming and super clear video content wherever they are.
Also, live streaming is a huge plus with 5G. Social media giants like Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and TikTok are all about live-streamed content these days, which means that these kind of content are prioritised. It’s a great way to reach the audience and build relationships organically.
How does 5G improve HD video conferencing?
Imagine having to review something in HD with your team, but you’re working remotely or on-the-go. Sure, there’s HD video conferencing, but if your connection is laggy and choppy, there’s no point.
With the help of 5G, connection for HD video conferencing calls can be enhanced. This improved resolution will make video conference calls so clear, you won’t even feel as if there is a screen in between you and your colleagues.
So instead of relying on costly air travel or time-consuming commutes between office locations, HD video conferencing gives remote teams instant access to the more meaningful human connection of a face-to-face meeting in every interaction.
How can 5G boost my gaming experience?
Have you ever been defeated in a mobile game because of a lag? Did that totally ruin the mood? Well, lag is caused by high latency and high ping rate.
To simplify, a ping is a signal that the gamer sends into the game when they press a button to get their character to move. In order to enjoy smooth gaming, ping rates have to be low for zero lag, especially in high-tech environments like VR gaming.
With 5G’s high speed and low latency capabilities, gamers can have smoother gaming experiences where their actions and characters move in almost perfect synchronisation.
How do I access 5G?
Maxis delivers 5G connectivity designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers, catering to Maxis, Hotlink, and Business users alike. For more information, click here.
Do I need a new SIM card for 5G?
If you already have a 4G LTE supported SIM card, the switch to 5G should be a piece of cake. In just a few clicks, you will be able to access 5G with our latest mobile plans. But, if your SIM card is an old version, then you might have to upgrade to a new one.
Don't worry though, there's an easy way to check if you need an upgrade. Just dial *100*8*5# and you'll know if you need to get a new SIM card.
Where can I get 5G?
5G is being rolled out rapidly across Malaysia. Check out the 5G coverage checker here.
Will 5G use a lot of data?
How much data you need really boils down to your personal usage habits. Take video streaming, for example. With 5G, you can watch your favorite movies and shows in super high quality with almost no buffering - it's like having a theater right in your own device. Of course, the trade-off is that you might end up using more data when you're streaming on 5G, so it's important to keep that in mind.
Thankfully, with our new Maxis Postpaid plans, you will get up to 100GB bonus 5G data.
So, whether you're a streamer, gamer, or just someone who enjoys browsing the web on their phone, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve got you covered with our new 5G plans.
Will 5G drain my device’s battery faster?
Let’s face it, battery life is important to us, and it’s no wonder its a concern for some of us when using 5G. So here’s the thing; 5G’s lightning fast download and upload speeds may mean that you are using your devices more than you used to. And as a result it may use up more battery.
But fear not. With the newer 5G devices, you can say goodbye to those battery draining woes. These devices are now designed with batteries that will give you more time to enjoy what you love without constantly having to worry about your battery life.
So go ahead and stream, binge-watch, or game to your heart's content, knowing that your battery will keep up with you.
How does 5G help businesses, industries, and governments?
Picture this: you're in a meeting with your colleagues and you need to share files during a presentation. In the past, it was a total nightmare, with lags and delays disrupting the entire flow. But with 5G, file sharing is a breeze. And it's not just meetings; 5G can handle tons of devices at once, making it a game changer for any industry - from office work to mass manufacturing, and even industries that involve AI, robotics, and big data. On the plus side, this helps drive the nation’s economy towards the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) as industries take full advantage of the advancements.
But that's not all. 5G's tech advancements can help businesses and government bodies keep up with IoT (Internet of Things). With the power of 5G, we can make things like driverless cars, remote machinery, and even smart cities a reality.
How can 5G unleash the full potential of IoT?
Basically, the "Internet of Things" (or IoT for short) is a fascinating concept that involves connecting various equipments and technology like your smartphones, laptops, home appliances, wearable gadgets, to even cars, machines, and robots at a large scale.
Also, the other thing that makes IoT great is that it allows these devices to "talk" to each other. Like for instance, have you ever switched on your TV from your smartphone? Well, those are IoT that helps better your lifestyle.
Now scale that up to an industrial or community level, where manufacturing machines or driverless public transports can now talk to each other remotely - now that's IoT in action.
Click the image to enlarge
What are the other benefits and potential of 5G?
5G brings not just faster internet, but also the ability to connect with even more machines in real-time.
The true potential of 5G is in the ability to connect and operate machines in precision at a large scale. With 5G, newer technologies like self-driving cars, smart manufacturing, smart cities and everything under Internet of Things (IoT) comes to life.
We are at the beginning of realising the true potential of 5G - as businesses, industries and communities come to reap the benefits of super high speed mobile internet at a large scale.
Learn more at https://business.maxis.com.my/en/5g/
