As consumers, at this point in Malaysia’s 5G journey, we just want to be able to use the highly touted speed and connectivity improvements our devices boasted when we bought them in the first place.
But, it feels like the single wholesale network strategy our country has taken for the 5G rollout translates to endless meetings and agreement signings as the unstoppable force (telcos) continuously butt heads with the immovable object (government).
Back in May, the Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said that local mobile network operators (MNO) and Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) have until 30 June to finalise their service agreement.
He also said that any telco that has yet to take up its equity stake and sign the agreement, will be left out and the government will move on with its plans to ensure the launch of the network happens.
READ MORE: Malaysia’s 5G Future Must Go On By June, With Or Without Hesitant Telcos
Then in mid-August Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said that although Malaysia’s six major telecommunications companies have all agreed to take up shares in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), they have yet to agree on the price they have to pay for the service.
He added that they have until August 31 to complete and agree to the terms, or risk losing out on access to Malaysia’s 5G network.
READ MORE: Malaysia’s Six Major Telcos Have Agreed To Take Up Shares In DNB For 5G But It’s Not Over Yet
Most recently Annuar said that while discussions on DNB stake deals are progressing well and are set to meet the deadline MCMC will chair a meeting on 29 August to decide on a few terms.
He also said that the signing by the six telcos will be held on 31 August, which is our National Day and a public holiday.
