KUALA LUMPUR — Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) has been asked to submit a new detailed business plan on the company’s sustainability in a landscape with two 5G networks, the Communications Ministry said.
Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government’s special purpose vehicle for 5G development in the country, has to ensure it can remain competitive in Malaysia’s dual 5G network ecosystem, he said in a written parliamentary reply dated Feb 19.
“MCMC has asked DNB to prepare a new detailed business plan for a landscape with two 5G networks. The business plan has to cover, among others, strategies for service continuity and future 5G development, as well as its financial plans and revenue,” he said in reply to a question by Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar-PN).
Iskandar had asked the ministry for a status update on U Mobile’s implementation of the second 5G network and DNB’s ability to compete in a dual-network environment.
The request for DNB’s second detailed business plan follows U Mobile Sdn Bhd’s submission of its detailed business plan to roll out and manage the second 5G network, Fahmi said.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently evaluating U Mobile’s plan.
U Mobile will only be issued its award notice to implement its 5G network subject to MCMC’s approval of DNB’s new detailed business plan, Fahmi added.
Last year, DNB had submitted an interim detailed business plan to MCMC on Dec 13, last year, he also said.
The minister said among DNB’s shareholders were experienced telecommunications service providers who would have wide experience in ensuring its sustainability.
“Their expertise will contribute to DNB’s ability to remain competitive in Malaysia’s dual 5G ecosystem, Fahmi said. – February 20, 2025