Caretaker Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has lauded the implementation of the Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) 5G access agreement, saying that it will enable mobile network operators (MNOs) in our country to save up to RM30 billion over the next decade. The agreement is the world’s first single wholesale 5G network and allows MNOs to save on infrastructure construction costs.
As reported by Bernama, Tengku Zafrul said that the 5G access agreements signed by five MNOs and DNB as an important achievement to implement Malaysia’s 5G vision to drive long-term digital economy development. He asserted that 5G services will raise productivity, efficiency and innovation which is expected to create 750,000 high-skilled jobs and generate RM650 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) cumulatively until 2030.
As we’ve reported previously, five out of six local MNOs signed the agreement, namely U Mobile, Digi, Telekom Malaysia (TM), Celcom and YTL Telecommunications (Yes) on 31 October 2022, with Maxis still assessing whether to follow suit. Currently, the 5G network covers approximately 11 million people across Malaysia, equivalent to more than 33 per cent coverage in populated areas, with DNB fully committed to expediting infrastructure development.
The caretaker Finance Minister further elaborated that the DNB service agreement would allow MNOs to focus on improving 4G services and providing innovative, high-value 5G services to benefit people and businesses. Moreover, the participation of the five MNOs is expected to benefit their respective end users, with speed and 5G connectivity being offered more inclusively at affordable prices.
More impressively, Tengku Zafrul also revealed that the cost of developing the 5G network is made without any government funding or guarantees other than an equity injection worth RM500 million to start DNB's operations. This is despite the total cost of development is estimated to be RM16.5 billion over 10 years.
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