KUALA LUMPUR: Following widespread concerns about pricing and competition, Malaysia announced on Wednesday( May 3) that it would switch to a dual network model for its 5G rollout once coverage reaches 80 %.
According to communications minister Fahmi Fadzil, the rollout will continue for the time being under state agency Digital Nasional Berhad( DNB ).
After we reach 80 % protection, the government has agreed that a new entity can be established, according to Fahmi.
According to him, DNB has currently achieved 57.8 % coverage of populated areas and is on track to reach 80 percent by the end of the year.
DNB’s rollout of 5G in Malaysia has been met with business concerns about sales and transparency, as well as concerns that a simple government-run network may lead to nationalized monopolies.
In March of last year, the former administration turned down a request from major carriers for another 5G provider.
After taking office in November, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a review of the 5G system, claiming that the previous administration had not openly formulated it. This brought the system under new investigation. DNB refuted that assertion.