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BUSINESS SECTORS
Riding the digitisation
wave
The consumer landscape for telco
services changed in 2020 with the
introduction of Unified National
Networks (UNN) and subsequently the
impact of COVID-19.
According to the Ministry of Transport
and
Infocommunications
(MTIC),
the sector has shown a cumulative
increase from 2016 until August 2021.
As of December 2021, over 75 per cent
of households in Brunei have Internet
subscriptions, proving that the nation’s
digitalisation efforts are showing
progress, especially since the onset of
the COVID-19 outbreak.
Meanwhile, almost 80,000 fixed
broadband subscribers were recorded
as of September 2021, equivalent to
75.2per cent of thenation’shouseholds.
This is further complemented by
135.7 per cent of mobile broadband
penetration among the population.
Brunei is embracing technologies in
its national agenda towards digital
transformation by embarking on key
technologies such as 5G, artificial
intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things
(IoT). The country is also looking
towards
enhancing
broadband
connectivity through 5G pilot projects
and 5G talent development.
5G on the horizon
Thecountry launched its 5GPilot Project
in April 2021 as commissioned by the
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.
In September 2022, a 5G Mobile
Network trial for mobile subscribers
was conducted over a period of up to
eight weeks. The speed was expected
to reach between 300 megabit per
second up to one gigabit per second,
depending on capacity and number of
users in certain cell sites.
The following month, UNN was in
the final stages of completing full
modernisationofitswholeinfrastructure
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.
ASEAN Digital
Masterplan 2025
Digital transformation in the ASEAN
region has been growing rapidly,
especially in driving resiliency against
and recovery from the impact of
COVID-19. With the current pace of
adoption of digital technologies in
ASEAN, the region is well-positioned in
its aspiring journey towards a leading
digital community and economic bloc.
The ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025
was launched to guide ASEAN digital
cooperation from 2021 to 2025, in
realising ASEAN’s vision as a digital
community and economic bloc with
secure digital services, technologies
and ecosystems.
In a joint declaration after adopting
the masterplan, ministers of ASEAN
responsible
for
communications
and technology said the plan would
prioritise ASEAN’s recovery from
COVID-19, connect businesses and
facilitate cross-border trade and build a
digitally inclusive society, among other
goals, making the group a leading
digital community and economic bloc
powered by secure and transformative
digital services, technologies and
ecosystem. Digital technologies also
offer immense potential and benefits
to foster inclusive and equitable
economic growth and sustainable
development.
Regional cooperation in matters
significant for digital transformation
continue to be strengthened, including
in the areas of cybersecurity and
ASEAN digital data governance.