PUTRAJAYA, January 7 — Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the transition to a Dual 5G Network model under Ministerial Direction No. 4 of 2024, issued on December 31. This move revokes the single wholesale network status of Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) under a prior directive and appoints U Mobile to develop the second 5G network.
While aimed at fostering competition and accelerating Malaysia’s 5G rollout, questions remain about the sustainability of the model, particularly regarding DNB’s financial obligations. DNB, which had spent RM5 billion of its RM16.5 billion budget, faces uncertainty over funding repayment mechanisms as telcos, including U Mobile, consider potential exits to focus on the dual network.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is yet to outline the conditions and deliverables for the second network’s deployment.
