Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Aziz has assured Malaysians that the decision by two Mobile Network Operators (MNO) to reject holding stakes in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) doesn’t have a huge financial impact on the government. This is because there are several local and foreign banks that are ready to finance the 5G network implementation in Malaysia.
As reported by Bernama, Tengku Zafrul said that the readiness of these players to invest shows the private sector’s confidence in our country’s 5G development plans. As we’ve reported previously on the deadline day of the DNB 5G service agreement plan, Maxis and U Mobile decided to not hold stakes in DNB, leaving only Celcom, YTL, Telekom Malaysia and Digi to be part of the deal.
Following that development, the Finance Minister revealed that the government may allow foreign MNOs to hold equity stakes in DNB. Tengku Zafrul further stressed that many foreign telecommunication players have expressed interest in the matter and that the government is open to offering DNB equity shares to them. More so, given how there are shares left for them to purchase after the snub by U Mobile and Maxis.
On the rejection of the aforementioned telco companies, the Finance Minister said their decision has impacted the timeline for the enrolment of the 5G network in Malaysia. The delay is also unfortunate given how our nation is seen as playing ‘catch-up’ with our neighbouring countries in the implementation of 5G.
Hence, he hoped that the new altered agreement involving the four telco companies that have agreed to the terms could be expedited so that 5G services can be launched as early as this month. Tengku Zafrul further asserted that 5G enrolment is important to boost the digital economy of Keluarga Malaysia.
So, what do you guys think of the whole 5G situation in our country? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news in Malaysia and beyond!
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