Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) will keep deploying the 5G network infrastructure in Malaysia until 80% coverage is attained by the end of this year according to Fahmi Fadzil
Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) will keep deploying the 5G network infrastructure in Malaysia until 80% coverage is attained by the end of this year according to Fahmi Fadzil
“The transition to dual wholesale network (DWN) will be done in accordance with circumstances that are consistent with global standards, (offering) multiple networks for the public as well as industries that are target groups for the use of 5G,” the Communications and Digital Minister stated at a press conference held here on Wednesday (May 3).
Fahmi claimed that the DWN model takes into account the telco ecosystem’s sustainability while also eliminating the element of monopoly frequently associated with DNB.
The switch to DWN, according to him, will enable service providers to participate fully while also enabling the provision of services to the general public at an affordable price.
According to him, there will be two phases to the rollout. We will start the second phase—the transition to the dual network—early in 2024. Service providers will be incorporated into DNB, and DNB will continue to operate. This fits in with the preliminary discussions of equity participation in DNB, he said.
He was referring to the nearly 70% equity stake held by mobile network operators (MNOs) in DNB, including Telekom Malaysia Bhd, YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YES), Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, and Celcom Axiata Bhd.
He added that Putrajaya will collaborate with service providers on the rollout of the 5G network by DNB. “The government had also decided that a new network can be established after we reach 80% coverage,” he said.
He stated that the rollout of 5G is currently at 57.8% and that the government is optimistic about meeting the 80% coverage goal by the end of this year. “There are still 22.2 percentage points to go before 80%. So I believe it is feasible. “There are roughly 2,000 more sites,” he continued.
A new entity, which Fahmi referred to as entity B, will be developed for the new network, he said. The choice of infrastructure provider for entity B will not be made by the government. “DNB’s wholesale price per gigabyte is about 12 to 13 sen, and this will also serve as Entity B’s foundation,” he continued.
DWN, he claimed, will increase capacity and prevent a “single point of failure,” without affecting speed. “We’re making sure interoperability. There is a backup network in case one is compromised for any reason, he said.
Fahmi further stated that his ministry will cooperate with the Finance Ministry, DNB, and MNOs to ensure a seamless transition to DWN that doesn’t jeopardise the interests of the general public or undermine investor confidence. The administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim examined the rollout of the 5G network in Malaysia.