The Malaysian government has taken a significant step towards enhancing its telecommunications infrastructure by directing the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to select a mobile network operator (MNO) for the country’s second 5G network.
The MCMC has been instructed to issue the Applicant Information Package (AIP) on 1 July 2024. Eligible MNOs will use this package to submit their bids to participate in the development of the second 5G network, according to The Edge Malaysia.
Four out of the five major MNOs in Malaysia have already fulfilled the conditions precedent. These MNOs subscribed to a 14% stake each in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), which currently operates as the sole 5G network developer in the country.
The MNOs involved are CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, and YTL Communications. Telekom Malaysia remains the only major MNO yet to fulfil the conditions precedent.
The report stated that the government’s implementation of a second 5G network is intended to break the monopoly on 5G services, thereby promoting a more competitive and enduring telecommunications sector.
Implementing the second 5G network will also enhance coverage, promote healthy competition, and ensure affordable and high-quality 5G service plans for the public.
By the end of April 2024, the 5G network coverage had extended to 81.5% of populated areas, with an adoption rate of 39.2%.
The country has also achieved a total of 13.2 million 5G subscriptions nationwide. This figure includes 12.7 million individual users and 422,609 enterprises.
