By Manny Pham
Malaysian operators have thrown their weight behind the government’s decision to reverse course and create a second 5G network.
In separate statements, CelcomDigi, Maxis and U Mobile “welcomed” the government’s decision to shift to a dual 5G network model, addressing their concerns on competition and pricing structure from the single network strategy.
The Malaysian government will begin construction of the second 5G network when the current one reaches 80 per cent coverage in populated areas.
CelcomDigi said in its statement, following the government’s announcement it had told shareholders that both Digi and Celcom have terminated previous respective share subscription agreements signed in November 2022 with state 5G agency Digital Nasional Berhad.
“As per the Government’s announcement, the earlier process to subscribe to Equity in DNB through the respective SSA is rendered void. The termination of the respective SSA will clear the path for CelcomDigi to participate in any new process, including Equity participation, together with the industry,” the operator said in a statement.
It added the government’s decision gives operators the chance to “play a more active and direct role” in 5G deployment in Malaysia, by leveraging resources such as existing 4G infrastructure.
U Mobile said: “We share the belief that the upcoming shift in 5G network model would increase efficiencies and also encourage greater adoption for both consumers and enterprises. Apart from that, dual 5G networks will also heighten market competition, leading to better network infrastructure performance and the raising of customer service levels.”
Maxis added it has already begun developing multi-industry 5G use cases with major companies for commercial use.
