Malaysia has plans to introduce a second 5G network in 2024, according to Reuters. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim proposes this plan in a bid to deter monopolies and encourage competition across the country’s telecommunications landscape.
When 5G was first rolled out in December 2021 by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) — the state-owned agency to advance its digital economy with 5G — there were concerns about the overpricing of the country’s wholesale 5G network and its transparency, as well as the risks of the industry becoming monopolized. Established in March 2021 to institute the deployment of 5G infrastructure and extend 5G as a single-wholesale network, DNB has had to tussle with major operators that resisted having to lease 5G spectrum, resulting in a series of 5G delays.
Currently , Anwar seeks to expand the country’s 5G ecosystem to draw in more technology partners and mobile operators, while dismantling DNB so that the spectrums can be auctioned to mobile operators.
When asked about the current status , Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that nothing has been set in stone yet.
“Right now, we are still in the process of review. We are in discussions with all the related and relevant parties,” Fahmi told reporters at a community event. He added that a proposal on the plan is expected to be submitted to the weekly Cabinet meeting when it convenes on Wednesday.
Sources familiar with the situation suggest the Cabinet will finalize its decision in April.
