Previously, we reported that the government will continue to deploy 5G through Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) until the coverage reaches 80% of populated areas. Once that happens, the government will shift to a dual 5G network with a new company setting up a second 5G network. The government expected the company to roll out the second network as early as January 2024.
DNB is a government entity, but it seems that will no longer be the case once the 5G coverage reaches the goal.
According to FMT, a private company will acquire DNB, which is currently owned by the government’s finance ministry, once it achieves 80% coverage of populated areas with its 5G network.
Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus, the chief operations officer of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that the provision of 5G services will then be divided between two private entities.
Entity A will take over DNB’s operations and implementation while Entity B will start from scratch. The government will withdraw all ownership of DNB when Entity A takes over, making it a private entity.
Both entities will be subject to conditions that ensure they provide internet services at the same speed and price to avoid leaving any users worse off. He also stated that there will be an equal playing field, with the same quality of service and experience imposed on both entities.
