KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the Malaysian Communications and Muia Commission (MCMC) is in the final stages of evaluating tenders for the country’s second 5G rollout.
“We expect an announcement within the next few weeks on the operators selected to develop the second 5G network,” he told reporters after the launch of CIMB’s Kita Bagi Jadi initiative here.
Last month, it was reported that four major mobile network operators (MNOs) had submitted bids to develop the second 5G network: CelcomDigi Bhd, Maxis Bhd, UMobile, and Telekom Malaysia Bhd.
Fahmi reiterated that the telecommunications companies involved had agreed on several key principles before acquiring shares in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), originally set up as the national 5G wholesaler, which is a prerequisite for bidding on the second rollout. These principles include ensuring that the services offered in the second network will not cost more than those currently offered by DNB.
In May last year, Putrajaya agreed to introduce a second 5G service provider to move towards a two-network model.
Meanwhile, Fahmi highlighted that the ministry’s focus under the 2025 budget includes improving internet access in schools and higher education institutions. “We are prioritising the telecommunications sector to ensure that schools and higher learning institutions receive the best possible internet access.”
He also noted the ministry’s commitment to the creative industry, citing the success of initiatives like the Film in Malaysia Incentive, which he believes has laid a strong foundation for growth in the creative sector.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching previously stated on August 20 that the programme has attracted significant foreign investment and boosted film production activities within the country.–FMT
