KUALA LUMPUR – The government is expected to announce the direction of the national 5G network coverage by the end of March.

Communication and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said a meeting was held last Saturday between special-purpose vehicle Digital Nasional Bhd, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and telecommunication companies.

“We have reached a consensus on what the prime minister said about having 80% coverage in populated areas nationwide by year-end.

“With the next few weeks, the telcos and DNB will make key decisions on the direction of the national 5G network coverage."

He added that the positive developments are expected to be made public by end of March.

“In essence, the processes involving DNB will be more transparent,” he said after an event in Desa Rehang here today.

Meanwhile, all local telecommunications providers have been given the mandate to offer affordable packages for 5G services.

He added that his ministry has been instructed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to aggressively address issues related to 5G.

Previously, The Vibes reported that sources said at least four major telcos – Celcom, Digi, Maxis, and U Mobile, collectively known in the industry as the "CDMU"-have backed the bid for a second network, apart from the run owned by DNB.

Of the four, Celcom and Digi had signed access agreements and subscriptions for shares in DNB last October. U Mobile signed only for access, while Maxis has not signed on for either.

YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YES) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) had also executed share subscription agreements (SSAs) to take up equity stakes in DNB last October. However, it is understood that there is an exit clause.

Previously, when in opposition, Anwar and Fahmi had expressed reservations about the DNB project. – The Vibes, February 28, 2023