Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to open the tender for the second 5G network in Malaysia on 1 July. This network, once deployed, will complement the existing 5G infrastructure set up by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB).

This announcement comes after CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, and YTL Communications have confirmed that all conditions precedent to the Share Subscription Agreement (SSA) have been met. This allows the four telcos to have a collective 70% stake in DNB, which is one of the main steps for Malaysia’s transition to a 5G Dual Network model.

The government previously announced Malaysia’s transition to a 5G Dual Network model from the current 5G Single Wholesale Network model. This is done to ensure that DNB has no monopoly on the local 5G infrastructure, while also establishing healthy competition in the telecommunications sector and improving 5G coverage on our shores.

Come 1 July, MCMC will open the tender for any telcos who want to build Malaysia’s second 5G network. Currently, a number of telcos have expressed their interest in doing so, including CelcomDigi, Maxis, and U Mobile. According to Fahmi, the tender process will be done transparently based on the powers and provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

(Featured image: Facebook [Fahmi Fadzil])