Millions of mobile internet users in Malaysia could benefit from 5G broadband connectivity as soon as mid-September if all six major telecommunications companies namely Maxis, Digi, U Mobile, Celcom, Yes and TM complete their agreements to acquire stakes in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).
According to the sources, several telcos are already conducting speed tests in major cities ahead of the official launch of 5G connectivity, which will see rapid deployment in the coming months. However, all of this could change as the August 31 deadline approaches.
As stated previously by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, to fully benefit from the nation’s 5G SWN, telcos need to finalise their agreements to acquire stakes in the government-owned DNB by August 31st.
It is also believed that DNB’s 5G infrastructure has managed to reach 30% of the nation’s populated areas, including major cities such as Penang and Johor Baru, in addition to the Klang Valley. As reported by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), these “populated areas” have at least 20 people per square kilometre.
Foreign telecommunications companies, Tengku Zafrul added, are eager to take part in the country’s 5G rollout, but local firms should be given preference. He also says that if the domestic telcos don’t get their issues sorted out by the due date, it’ll be hard to stop the arrival of foreign competition.