The special committee in charge of overseeing the 5G implementation is preparing a Cabinet memorandum to discuss and decide on the potential approval of a second network, given that the country’s 5G coverage has reached 80.2% by end of December 2023.
Bernama reports that according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the consideration of a second 5G network involves assessing its ability to facilitate sustainable implementation and create more opportunities for telecommunication companies (telcos) to enhance their services.
The special committee, co-chaired by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, recently held a meeting where specific steps are expected to be outlined.
With the 5G network coverage announcement, Fahmi stated that a decision on allowing telcos to establish a second network, in addition to Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), will be announced shortly.
Emphasising that the Communications Ministry regulates 5G implementation, Fahmi explained that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) serves as the regulatory body in the telecommunications sector, overseeing spectrum and aspects covered in the Communications and Multimedia Act.
Fahmi highlighted that the number of 5G subscribers reached eight million accounts by the end of last year, and this figure is anticipated to rise following the announcement on 9 January that no additional fees or charges will be imposed on users to access the 5G network.
Furthermore, Fahmi recommended to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo that this year’s focus should be directed towards supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and exploring incentives for them to leverage the widely available 5G network.
