Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim briefly addressed the present 5G rollout in Malaysia by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) in the course of the presentation of the revised budget for 2023. To ensure 5G deployment targets are met, it seems that DNB will proceed to function a single 5G wholesale network, albeit with improved management.
In his speech, he stated that the 5G plan was launched by the previous administration through DNB and would cover 50% of the population by the top of 2022.
To ensure the complete participation of all telecommunications corporations within the country, he added, the Unity Government is now adopting a technique to administer GNI in a more transparent and comprehensive manner. It hopes that by the top of 2023, 80% of the population will likely be covered by 5G.
Anwar continued by saying that ultimately a very powerful goal is to realize full 5G coverage at a reasonable cost for most of the people.
Due to concerns that this had not been done transparently, the Prime Minister asked for a review of current 5G rollout plans following the change of administration. Fahmi Fadzil, the recently appointed Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, also expressed concerns in regards to the costs and pace of 5G deployment within the country. An in depth assessment of the 5G rollout via DNB is anticipated to be accomplished by the top of March 2023.
Presenting the 2023 budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said 725 million ringgit was allocated for this yr’s implementation of digital connectivity in 47 industrial zones and almost 3,700 schools.
Currently, 5 telecommunications operators – YTL Communications, Telekom Malaysia, Celcom, Digi and U Mobile – have signed 5G access agreements with DNB. The only telco that has not joined DNB to offer 5G connectivity is Maxis. Last month, the green telco announced it will defer making a alternative until the federal government completes its DNB investigation.
Source: TheSunDaily.my, TheEdgeMarkets.com, NST.com.my
