KUALA LUMPUR (May 3):  Telecommunications companies have welcomed the government’s decision to implement the 5G network under two networks once the rollout under Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) has reached 80% of populated areas.

CelcomDigi Bhd, the nation’s largest mobile network operator, said it is committed to support Putrajaya’s ambitions to achieve the 80% coverage by the end of this year.

“The company recognises the need for the efficient rollout of 5G based on the new enhanced model to provide wide and comprehensive coverage, encourage adoption and ensure affordability of 5G services for all Malaysians,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday (May 3).

The statement came shortly after Communication and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the government has decided to tweak the 5G single wholesale network model, allowing a second 5G wholesale network to be established once DNB achieves 80% coverage of populated area by end of this year.

CelcomDigi pledged to work with the government and industry “to support the delivery of the next phase of Malaysia’s 5G journey”.

“(We welcome) the opportunity to play a more active and direct role in the country’s 5G implementation, leveraging on our experience and resources, existing widest 4G network, supply chain and partner ecosystem to support the government’s 5G ambitions, as we bring the best 5G solutions and offerings to Malaysian consumers and businesses,” it said.

Formerly known as Digi.Com Bhd, CelcomDigi is a product of a merger of Celcom Axiata Bhd and Digi.Com’s telco operations, which was completed in November last year.

Echoing similar sentiments, Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) voiced its support of the decision to implement the nation’s 5G rollout over two phases, saying the group will work closely with the government and industry to ensure the success of both Phase 1 (80% service coverage by DNB) and Phase 2 (shift to dual network) for Malaysia’s 5G implementation.

“TM looks forward to continue playing an active role in the 5G implementation, leveraging its nationwide fibre infrastructure, extensive digital platforms (data centres, edge nodes) and roll-out experience,” said TM in a statement.

The group added that it will continue to deliver converged connectivity and solutions across fibre and 5G to its home, small and medium enterprises, and government customers through Unifi and TM One.

“TM is committed to serve as the nation’s trusted partner to grow Malaysia’s overall connectivity and digital ecosystem, including 5G. It is committed to shaping a Digital Malaysia through technology that empowers communities, businesses and government,” it said.

U Mobile Sdn Bhd said the shift to a dual wholesale network would increase efficiencies, as well as encourage greater adoption from both consumers and enterprises.

“Apart from that, dual 5G networks will also heighten market competition, leading to better network infrastructure performance and the raising of customer service levels,” the company added in a statement.

U Mobile said that once the dual 5G network is in place, the company will ensure interoperability between the two networks.

“We also envision that we will be able to aggressively innovate in order to bring the full benefits of 5G to all our consumers. We are also looking forward to working with various industries to innovate services that improve efficiencies using 5G technology,” it added.

Meanwhile, Maxis Bhd — the only mobile network operator which has yet to ink an access agreement with DNB — said it looks forward to providing 5G-related products and services to its customers “soon”, with a focus on affordability and adoption.

“The company recognises the importance of efficiently rolling out 5G and the economic benefits it will bring to all Malaysians,” it said.

Maxis also said it looks forward to playing a more direct role in the country’s 5G implementation in the roll-out of the second 5G network, leveraging its expertise, resources and existing infrastructure.

“In strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the region, Maxis has already been developing multi-industry 5G use cases with major players for commercial use through its 5G Alliance. The company has also expanded its 5G international roaming services to more countries and has rolled out a range of 5G devices to our customers since last year,” it added.

Shares in CelcomDigi closed four sen or 0.91% higher at RM4.44 on Wednesday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM52.09 billion. Meanwhile, TM gained one sen or 0.2% to RM4.97, valuing the company at RM19 billion. Maxis finished nine sen or 2.03% higher at RM4.52, giving it a market capitalisation of RM35.39 billion.

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