Malaysia will soon start the process of developing its second 5G network, shifting from a Single Wholesale Network (SWN) to Dual Wholesale Network (DWN). Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to begin the process of identifying and appointing a mobile network operator (MNO) to develop the second network.
This comes after four telcos — Maxis, CelcomDigi, Yes, and U Mobile — announced that they were ready to complete the share subscription agreement (SSA) process. According to the minister’s press release, the MCMC will issue an Applicant Information Package (AIP) on 1 July 2024, which he says will be done transparently based on powers and provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
In case you need to refresh your memory, Malaysia’s five biggest telcos will be acquiring a total stake of 70% in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), which is currently the country’s sole 5G operator. Each firm will need to inject RM233 million in order to obtain the shares, giving each carrier a 14% stake.
So far, four telcos are set to complete the SSA by the end of June, while Telekom Malaysia (TM) is in the process of seeking shareholder approval, which it will need to obtain by 21 August 2024. The government will retain a 30% stake as well as a special share in DNB.
(Sources: Fahmi Fadzil, NST)
