5th Generation (5G) Mobile Network Trial Initiated

Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), working with Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN); a wholly-owned subsidiary of Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd (DA), in collaboration with the telecommunications service providers within the DA Group; Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd; Imagine Sdn Bhd; and Progresif Sdn Bhd – will conduct a 5^th Generation (5G) Mobile Network trial for mobile subscribers over a period of up to eight (8) weeks. This trial is conducted prior to the introduction of 5G services scheduled to launch in Brunei Darussalam in the coming months, utilising new and existing radiofrequency spectrum to provide high-capacity bandwidth  in all high internet traffic areas.  It is expected that the speed will be able to reach between 300 Mbit/s up to 1 Gbit/s, depending on capacity and number of users in certain cell sites.

The objective of the 5G trial is to allow UNN and the service providers to receive and evaluate valuable feedback from the trial participants, which will help to facilitate end-to-end network and process optimisation in order to achieve a satisfactory and successful launch in the near future. Each service provider will select up to one hundred subscribers who meet the specific selection criteria to become the trial participants, who will be required to actively provide feedback on experience and network performance. Interested subscribers who would like to participate in the trial is required to be on an existing postpaid plan with any of the three service providers and own a 5G-compatible mobile phone or device. Interested subscribers who are eligible can contact their respective service providers to participate in the 5G trial on a first-come-first-serve basis.

In April 2021, Brunei Darussalam launched its 5G Pilot Project, as commissioned by the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) and spearheaded by AITI with the deployment of 5G base stations by UNN at selected locations. The aim was to demonstrate 5G Proof of Concept network environment, promote the feasibility of high-speed 5G mobile communications and raise awareness to the public for the adoption of 5G technology in Brunei Darussalam.

UNN is in the final stages of completing full modernisation of its whole infrastructure to be 5G-ready. The modernisation through Radio Access Network (RAN) expansion and broadband network upgrade will increase the capacity to manage the growing traffic and data volume as well as improve customer experience in Brunei Darussalam. 5G services will have the potential to improve productivity, enhance virtual experience and achieve digitalisation towards becoming a Smart Nation.