Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil reaffirms that the Malaysian government is committed to implementing a dual 5G network policy. He shared this update on social media yesterday following a meeting with China’s minister of industry and information technology Jin Zhuanglong. The discussion, which lasted over 40 minutes, covered various telecommunications issues, with a significant focus on the second 5G network’s implementation.
Fahmi announced that the telecommunications companies involved in the dual network model would finalise their equity holding process in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) later this month on 21 June. This milestone will pave the way for the next phase of the project, where the government will identify the telcos responsible for developing the second 5G network.
MALAYSIA SEDIA LAKSANA RANGKAIAN 5G KEDUA
Petang ini saya telah menerima kunjungan hormat TYT Jin Zhuanglong, Menteri Industri dan Teknologi Maklumat China.
Dalam pertemuan lebih 40 minit ini, kami telah membincangkan banyak perkara berkait isu telekomunikasi termasuk… pic.twitter.com/wqbkJGP048
— Fahmi Fadzil 🇲🇾 (@fahmi_fadzil) June 18, 2024
Fahmi also highlighted that only telcos that have completed their equity holdings in DNB would be eligible to participate in the development of this network. He elaborated that this approach aims to foster a competitive environment and enhance the sustainability of Malaysia’s telecommunications ecosystem.
Additionally, the minister emphasised that the implementation of the dual network policy would enhance service quality and availability across the country, benefiting consumers and businesses alike. However, it is still unclear as to when the second network, which was initially planned to be introduced earlier this year, will begin to be developed.
Apart from 5G network discussions, both Fahmi and Jin Zhuanglong also explored the potential of “direct-to-cell” technology using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which could significantly improve internet connectivity in remote and underserved areas. The meeting also underscored the importance of strengthening the relationship between the two ministries to advance telecommunications technology and infrastructure in both Malaysia and China.
