THE Government will ensure the implementation of 5G mobile network services goes according to plan despite two mobile network operators (MNOs) having decided not to take a stake in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).
Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said following the withdrawal of the two companies, negotiations with four other MNOs will continue and are expected to conclude within two weeks.
The Ketereh MP added that adjustments to the agreement documents are needed since the Government had decided in the original agreement that the majority of stakeholders should come from the private sector, and not the Government.
“(This means) other four companies would not have (a) 50% (combined stake),” he told a media conference after the launch of the Keluarga Malaysia cheap sale today.
“The companies will also need to go back to their boards as they had initially given approval based on an 11% subscription,” Annuar added. “So, if we were to offer more, (say), 15% to 16%, they will have to go back to their boards.
“We have to give them time.”
At the same time, Annuar said, as mentioned by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the offer is open to other industry players interested in acquiring a stake in DNB.
“What is important is that the 5G rollout must remain on track to meet the priority of achieving 80% 5G coverage in populated areas by 2024,” Annuar said.
“The ministry is maintaining the existing planning timeline for the rollout, if possible this month (onwards), although if negotiations are until the end of September, then there has to be a roll-out in early October.
“I do not want delays or the Government’s rollout plans interrupted because of one or two companies changing their stand. We must remain on track,” he said.
He added that if the matter can be resolved within one to two weeks, the related companies can offer 5G services in areas where the infrastructure has been completed without delay.
It was reported recently that Maxis Bhd and U Mobile Sdn Bhd had decided not to take a stake in DNB for the 5G programme.
Four MNOs, namely Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi.com Bhd, YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YES) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd, still stand by their respective decisions to be part of the rollout. – Sept 3, 2022
Main photo credit: Bernama
