Malaysia’s four big mobile network operators (MNO) have proposed a counteroffer to the government’s national 5G rollout plan.
According to Reuters, Celcom Axiata Bhd, DiGi Telecommunications, Maxis Bhd, and U Mobile not only want a majority stake (51%) in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), but also a review of DNB’s “Reference Access Offer” (RAO).
READ MORE: DNB’s Suggested 5G Rates Is Too High, Says Former Jaring CEO
Back in March, the government announced that it is sticking to its single wholesale network plan and offered 70% equity on DNB to telcos.
READ MORE: Malaysia Is Sticking To Its 5G Single Wholesale Network Plan
However, Reuters was told that the offer was given to nine firms. If divided evenly, the four big MNOs wouldn’t have enough combined weight to form a majority stake. The government’s 30% would be the biggest slice of the cake.
At the same time, a deadline looms. Communications and Multimedia Minister (MenKOMM) Tan Sri Annuar Musa has said that MNO and DNB have until 30 June to finalise their service agreement.
He added that those who don’t sign the agreement will be left out.
READ MORE: Malaysia’s 5G Future Must Go On By June, With Or Without Hesitant Telcos
Currently, only Telekom Malaysia and YTL Communications, a unit of YTL Corporation, have agreed to the government’s 5G plan.
YTL Communications is officially launching its 5G service on 26 May.
