Malaysia is set on rolling out its second 5G network by the end of this year. Only two questions remain – when will a decision be made, and who will get the job?
These were exactly the same questions posed to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo when he visited the Axiata Cyber Fusion Centre in Petaling Jaya this morning.
“The details will be made known to everyone. But since the process is on-going, let it take its course first. But it’s (the announcement) very soon,” said Gobind.
When asked if there were any interested parties, Gobind quipped “next question”, drawing laughter from the crowd.
“Well, I have the information, but I don’t think it would be proper for me to go into that now, as the process is on-going,” Gobind said.
“I don’t want a situation where it may affect the process. It will be over soon, and all the details will come out once the process is completed.”
Gobind confirmed that the announcement will be made by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
CelcomDigi had announced that it submitted a proposal to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on July 31.
Earlier, a poser was thrown by the media, wondering if Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Maxis Berhad would take the lead to build a second 5G network.
MCMC is in the midst of determining and appointing a mobile network operator.
Conversations for, and against the 5G dual wholesale network continue.
Some had been critical of the government’s decision to take the dual network approach, claiming that Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) could become another white elephant that may require a bailout.
This, however, was quickly dismissed by Gobind, who said “what has been implemented by DNB so far is good, and I don’t think there is any issue of DNB failing, or becoming a white elephant.”
DNB, an agency under the Digital Ministry, achieved 82 per cent 5G network coverage of populated areas within three years.
There were also fears that mobile network operators (MNOs) participating in the second 5G network would eventually pass on their costs to consumers. Both Gobind and Fahmi had assured that the prices would follow the existing rates.
