DNB and Edotco deploy indoor 5G in Malaysia's KLIA airportDNB and Edotco deploy indoor 5G in Malaysia's KLIA airport

Malaysia's 5G network operator Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and telecom tower specialist Edotco announced on Monday that they have successfully installed 5G in-building solutions (IBS) at both terminals of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The two companies said the project marks an important milestone in enhancing connectivity and improving the digital experience at Malaysia's key transportation hub as the country assumes the chairmanship of the ten-nation ASEAN economic bloc this year.

Completed in two months, KLIA1 and KLIA2's 5G IBS was activated and handed over to Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad on Friday.

"The integration of 5G infrastructure in KLIA is a transformative upgrade that enhances operational efficiency and passenger convenience by leveraging 5G's speed, low latency, and high data capacity. It supports IoT devices, smart sensors, and advanced digital solutions, enabling us to meet evolving demands while prioritizing efficiency, satisfaction, and resilience," Vijay Kumar Dayinde, Malaysia Airports CIO, said in a statement.

According to the two technology partners, 5G IBS allows users to enjoy faster and more reliable connectivity in public and commercial buildings, making for a better digital experience. This indoor coverage also enables businesses to implement new 5G use cases, such as autonomous buggies and last-mile delivery robots, to improve operational efficiency and deliver better value to customers.

When deployed in airports, the companies added, these use cases optimize logistics by ensuring timely delivery of goods or baggage, reduce costs and manual labor, and promote sustainability through lower carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, Edotco said it has deployed telecom infrastructure within a 10km x 10km radius of the KLIA area – providing 52 5G in-building connectivity solutions in the two airport terminals, as well as nine 5G outdoor poles – to provide comprehensive connectivity throughout the area.

Focus on indoor 5G connectivity

According to DNB, the installation of 5G IBS at the KLIA is part of its ongoing efforts to provide superior indoor connectivity in high-footfall areas across strategic and commercial buildings.

This is in addition to the 5G outdoor sites that already cover more than 82% of populated areas nationwide.

"Through collaboration with mobile network operators (MNOs) and building owners, DNB's key focus this year is to enhance 5G indoor coverage and connectivity, with plans to extend 5G IBS to other key locations," Azman Ismail, DNB chief executive officer, said in a statement.

To date, DNB has installed 5G IBS at a total of 73 sites. These include strategic and government facilities such as airports, convention centers and hospitals, as well as various Urban Transformation Centers (UTCs) – public facilities located in several state capitals and urban areas.