Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), the state-owned company spearheading Malaysia’s 5G network infrastructure rollout, announced the appointment of five new board members from key players in the telecom and technology sectors.
These members include Datuk Kamal Khalid from CelcomDigi Bhd, Uthaya Kumar K Vivekananda from Maxis, Kenneth Chang Yit Fei from U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Nik Azli Abu Zahar from Telekom Malaysia Bhd, and Datuk Seri Yeoh Seok Hong from YTL Power International Bhd, according to The Edge Malaysia.
Their appointments, effective 24 April 2024, aim to enhance DNB’s strategic direction in advancing Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and fostering 5G technology adoption across various sectors.
These appointments follow share subscription agreements signed between DNB, Ministry of Finance, and five mobile network operators on 1 December 2023.
Malaysia is preparing for dual 5G network
Malaysia is gearing up for a dual 5G network, according to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He said the government’s policy has consistently leaned towards establishing this dual network approach, according to Malay Mail.
He highlighted that certain conditions precedents (CPs) needed to be fulfilled by DNB, the entity responsible for the 5G rollout. With the appointment of DNB’s board of directors, they are now tasked with conducting due diligence.
Gobind expressed the importance of expediting this process to ensure a swift rollout of 5G, benefiting both individuals and industries. Currently, DNB operates as the sole 5G network provider, but plans for transitioning to a dual network will be announced soon.
Gobind also disclosed that DNB’s 5G infrastructure has achieved 80.5% coverage of populated areas by the end of March, with over 11.2 million subscribers as of February’s end.
