KUALA LUMPUR: The rollout of the 5G network in Malaysia has achieved 62.1% coverage of populated areas as at May 31 involving 5,058 5G sites, says Fahmi Fadzil.

This represents an increase of 2.6% from the 59.5% coverage reported as of end April.

The Minister of Communications and Digital said the country is on track to achieve its target of 80% 5G network coverage in populated areas by year-end, which will be accomplished through Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) alone.

Once this target is achieved, Fahmi said the government will allow for the formation of a second network and will then embark on a dual wholesale network (DWN) approach, as announced last month.

“So, there will be entities A and B, where entity A, or DNB, will continue along with approximately half of the mobile network operators (MNOs). Whereas, entity B will comprise the other portion of MNOs,” Fahmi said during his keynote address at Invest Malaysia 2023 series two.

The forum, themed “Digital Malaysia: Tomorrow’s Infrastructure, Today”, centred around Malaysia's digitalisation efforts, with a specific emphasis on 5G infrastructure and cloud computing as crucial drivers in propelling the nation towards its goal of becoming a technologically empowered high-income nation.

Additionally, Fahmi also commended the leaders of MNOs for setting aside their competitive differences and participating in numerous meetings for the benefit of the public.