Kevin Henry, head of strategic engagement at GSMA, said reasonable prices and easy access to the network will result in higher coverage and faster speeds for users.

“This is vital to perpetuate economic growth, with the flexibility of network sharing. Since the start of the pandemic, telecommunication companies have recorded a surge in broadband subscribers, whether it is because of working from home or online classes, but it definitely accelerated it,” he said at the 5G TECH 2021 conference today.

According to Henry, businesses have also witnessed a significant growth and interest in areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence and machinery, especially in industries like manufacturing, electricity and healthcare.

“While operators will understandably want to maximise potential and capacity, maintaining the flexibility of the network must be of utmost importance because, at the end of the day, the customer’s wants and needs are what is key,” he said.

Top Glove Corp Bhd independent non-executive director Rainer Althoff said 5G is set to be “disruptive on scales of other levels” because of its ability for high-capacity data.

He said the success of 5G depends on the culture of sharing data among businesses.

“This culture is relatively new because knowledge represents power. There is a need to discuss and share strategies on how 5G can help with the growth of businesses so it results in a data enterprise culture.”

“The number of connections that can form from this can be endless, and it is a way for future generations to design companies for success. This does not only apply to corporations but for the economy as a whole,” he said.