As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) progresses in its digital transformation efforts, improving its internet infrastructure, quality, and speed through 5G technology has become essential. Introducing the fifth generation of mobile networks opens the region to more enhanced specifications than 4G, which can help power the growing digital ecosystem. Countries like Singapore and others are leading the charge, and the share of mobile connections will increase by over 50% by 2025.
The current 5G trends in Southeast Asia show that the technology impacts various industries and will continue to do so in the coming years. According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, 5G will be the leading technology in ASEAN — subscription-wise—by 2028, with a penetration rate of 48%. By then, expectations are that most major service providers will have launched their upgraded services from 4G, with subscriptions reaching 620 million.
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Moreover, since the services will boost mobile data usage, mobile traffic per smartphone will rise from 12.5GB in 2022 to 54GB in 2028. It represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30%. Smartphone use will show a volume increase of 0.06% by 2024 and a CAGR of 0.07% annually between 2023 and 2028.
Benefits of 5G
Phasing out 4G technology will not happen immediately, but countries will continue to take advantage of the new features in the latest mobile network. Here are a few benefits:
Connectivity
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been one of the most talked about ideas in the tech world. It involves digital devices with sensors, software, and other features connecting and exchanging data among themselves to accomplish specific tasks. With a faster mobile network, smart devices can connect seamlessly, and users do not have to wait.
Lower latency
The time it takes for devices to communicate with each other is known as latency. If the latency is lower, the device connection is faster. Thus, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can benefit from the uninterrupted interaction between different bits of tech.
Boost bandwidth
Bandwidth enables much data to travel through the networks faster, meaning users can download or transfer files faster, stream shows and movies for entertainment, and have seamless collaboration for remote workers. The reliability of the connections means startups can run their businesses with fewer downtimes as the network manages data and traffic better than previous iterations.
Enhanced sustainability
With climate change affecting Southeast Asia, developing an advanced mobile infrastructure will improve energy efficiency when transmitting data, thereby reducing the environmental impact.
Impact of 5G in ASEAN
5G technology goes beyond fast internet by supporting other solutions in Southeast Asia, including:
The establishment of smart cities
ASEAN leaders set up the Smart Cities Network (ASCN), a collaborative platform for regional countries to achieve smart and sustainable urban development using technology. Smart cities require stakeholders’ participation—citizens, organisations, and governments—to overcome challenges and establish locations with IT-based infrastructure.
Some issues smart cities may face include inefficient data collection and processing, unstable networks, and fragmented ecosystems without the ability to scale or be flexible. Setting up fifth-generation networks and infrastructure can fix many problems. For example, it can assist with data capture, storage, and analytics to get solutions to residents faster.
Managing urban infrastructure
Urban areas need fast, dynamic city and traffic management. With a reliable network, officials can enhance public safety through cameras connected to a central hub or drones that help with crowd control. Furthermore, they can manage smart grids and energy use in the location.
Transforming manufacturing
Using sensors, software, and smart robotics tech transforms industries through real-time automation by making everything effective and able to run without much human intervention.
Applications in healthcare
5G is boosting the healthcare industry by helping to connect remote patients through video consultations. Patients can order medication through their high-speed smartphones or sit in a smart ambulance, which transmits data to the hospital so the doctors can know what to expect when the patient arrives.
One challenge people in remote or rural areas may face is the need for more infrastructure, meaning they may not benefit from 5G. It is less economical to have it in rural areas because it requires a lot of equipment, regulations, investment, government support, and affordability of devices. ASEAN nations have made strides in adopting technology, but as they are in different stages, it can be challenging to collaborate or guarantee cybersecurity.
While the 5G trends in Southeast Asia bode well for the region, there is still a long way to go before the technology can reach everyone. Advances in smartphones will help improve ASEAN and reduce the costs of devices. Moreover, the government can get involved to ensure better regulations and more investment in the industry.