The number of 5G subscribers in Malaysia reached 8 million as of the end of last year.
The Malaysian government has announced that a special committee overseeing the country’s 5G network rollout will soon issue a ministerial memorandum to discuss and decide whether it is time to allow a second 5G network. A local newspaper reported that the company had confirmed that it would be created.
“We announced on December 31st that the coverage rate of our 5G network reached 80.2%, so it is likely that the telco will establish a second network separately from Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) in the near future. We plan to announce a decision on whether to allow it,” the news agency said. Minister Fahmi Fazil said.
Fazil also said that the number of 5G subscribers in the country had reached 8 million as of the end of last year.
DNB was established by the Malaysian government in 2021 as a special purpose vehicle to develop the country’s 5G network infrastructure for use by private telecommunications companies to provide 5G services to their customers. DNB’s 5G network was deployed by Ericsson.
The Malaysian government had previously said that Malaysia would move to dual 5G networks once DNB achieves 80% coverage in populated areas.
Fazil had said that 80% coverage of the 5G sector has been achieved with local carriers signing an agreement to acquire a stake in DNB. Last month, Malaysia’s five major mobile phone operators signed a share subscription agreement to acquire a total of 70% stake in DNB.
Under the terms of the agreement, local telecom companies CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, Telekom Malaysia and YTL Power International will each acquire a 14% stake in DNB. Each carrier will invest a total of RM233 million ($50 million).
According to the Malaysian government, the share subscription is expected to be completed between February and April 2024 after meeting due diligence requirements.
Fazil said the government would hold a “golden” stake in DNB and the remaining 30% stake. The official also confirmed that the government has no stake in the second 5G network.
In November, DNB partnered with Swedish vendor Ericsson to launch what it says is the country’s largest 5G experience center. The main purpose of the new facility is to increase awareness and accelerate the adoption of 5G across Malaysia. The new 5G center will be located in the lobby of the TRX Exchange 106 tower, where DNB offices are located, and will serve as a learning hub for customers, partners, industry, academia and government officials to understand the potential of his 5G technology. The purpose is By demonstrating the performance of 5G products and services through live demonstrations and technology showcases.
