The race to launch Malaysia’s second 5G network is on and the first to publicly make a move seems to be CelcomDigi, the country’s largest carrier. In a statement, the conglomerate revealed that it has submitted its proposal for the deployment of the second 5G network to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) yesterday.
“We believe that we have submitted a compelling case to deploy Malaysia’s second 5G network – either alone or in partnership with others – towards ensuring a thriving 5G ecosystem built for the nation, with the rakyat in mind,” said the firm’s CEO Idham Nawawi. To make its case, the company cites its progress in modernising its network from 4G sites to 5G, claiming that two-thirds of the process will be complete by the end of 2024.
To recap, the Malaysian government has begun the process of selecting the telco firms that will deploy the second network in order to transition to a dual wholesale network model. This was announced shortly after four of the five major telcos completed the share subscription agreement (SSA) to acquire a stake in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). While the tender process has begun, the final selection is only expected to be announced at the end of the year.
Earlier this week, digital minister Gobing Singh was quoted as saying that the MCMC has taken steps to ensure prices remain the same when the second network is established. Deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching has stated that telcos will not be allowed to hold equity in both entities under the 5G dual wholesale network model to ensure healthy competition.
(Source: CelcomDigi Press Release)
