The Communications and Digital Ministry is actively working to speed up discussions with local mobile network operators (MNOs) to facilitate the automatic migration of subscribers to Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB)’s 5G network. This initiative aims to ensure that the transition to 5G remains accessible to all Malaysians.
Currently, major MNOs like CelcomDigi and Maxis are charging subscribers up to RM20 per month for access to the 5G network, despite paying a lower wholesale price to DNB.
This situation contradicts the government’s goal of providing a high-quality 5G connection at an affordable price, according to The Edge Malaysia.
Minister Fahmi Fadzil called on MNOs to engage in dialogue to waive additional charges for the 5G upgrade, emphasising the importance of making 5G accessible to over seven million devices ready to use it.
He mentioned that the current 5G rollout by DNB has reached 70.2% coverage of populated areas, while 5G adoption by MNOs’ subscribers stands at 7.4%, with approximately 2.5 million mobile users subscribing to the 5G network.
Fahmi acknowledged that despite previous opposition to DNB’s single wholesale network model, it has expedited the 5G rollout. He also defended the local MNOs, stating that they are competing to provide the most affordable 5G packages to consumers.
Additionally, Malaysians now have the option to subscribe to the Rahmah 5G package, which offers a basic data plan and a smartphone priced at under RM240.
This affordable 5G package includes a post-paid plan for as low as RM60 a month, with a minimum of 60GB of data, and is available until December of this year.
