However, state-owned network wholesaler Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) told Reuters it still hoped to launch 5G services in three urban centres, as talks continue with mobile operators. The country, a regional laggard in 5G rollout, unveiled a plan for a single shared network in February, hoping it would help accelerate nationwide infrastructure buildup. Carriers, which had already invested in infrastructure upgrades to support 5G services, are concerned the 5G network plan would result in a nationalised monopoly, hurting their business and limiting their access to future technology, said seven current and former industry sources. “By 2030, the majority of the network will be on 5G, then there are enforced limitations on our existing (non-5G network) assets,” one of the sources said. DNB chief operating officer Dushyan Vaithiyanathan said the plan would likely cost only around RM16.5bil, around half the RM30bil-RM35bil carriers would have needed to spend to build the 5G network themselves.

Source: The Star November 11, 2021 08:52 UTC