KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 11): 5G is finally here in Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and parts of Kuala Lumpur. Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) is offering 5G capacity to telecommunications companies (telcos) for free for three months from Dec 15, so that their customers can experience the power of enhanced speed and connectivity.

But the nine-month-old Ministry of Finance-owned DNB is facing strong lobbying by some telcos, which want to be allowed to build and run their own 5G network.

This is despite DNB saying that its cost of rolling out 5G to 80% of the population in Malaysia would only be RM16.5 billion, easily half of what all operators would end up collectively spending if they were each allowed to continue building separate networks.

A Cabinet decision in the coming week could determine whether DNB’s mandate to expand 5G coverage to 40% of populated areas by end-2022, 70% by end-2023 and 80% by end-2024 stays.

On Dec 7, Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa told reporters that the government is reconsidering the single wholesale model for 5G after receiving industry feedback and will decide whether it would continue by January 2022.

What are the arguments for and against a single 5G wholesale network under DNB? 

To know why the speed and manner at which 5G arrives matters to the people, businesses and the country’s economy, read our cover story for the Dec 13 issue by picking up a copy at a news stand.

Read also:
Cover Story: With single shared infrastructure, 5G costs to Malaysians should be half of current 4G price (from RM2/GB to RM1/GB) … with telcos making the same absolute profits, and more
Cover Story: The 5G debate

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