KUALA LUMPUR: Fahmi Fadzil, the Communications and Digital Minister, announced that all telecommunications companies (telcos) in the country will soon sign a share subscription agreement (SSA) regarding equity stakes in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB). This development is expected to accelerate the implementation of the 5G network with the involvement of telcos in the SSA. As of Aug 31, 5G network coverage in populated areas in Malaysia has reached 68.8% and is projected to reach 80% by the end of this year or early next year.
Fahmi stated, “At the latest (to reach 80%), maybe in January (next year) if everything goes smoothly,” during a press conference after attending the Klang River Festival on Sunday (Sept 10). He added that on July 21, he had previously announced that CelcomDigi, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, U Mobile, and YTL Communications would finalize negotiations on equity stakes in DNB, thereby supporting the development of Malaysia’s 5G network. This move is part of the government’s plan to introduce a second 5G network through a new entity after changing the 5G implementation model from a single wholesale network (SWN) to a dual network.
The development of the 5G network under the SWN model through DNB will continue until it achieves 80% coverage of populated areas. Afterward, it will transition to a dual-network model. Additionally, Fahmi, who is also the spokesperson of the unity government, urged all parties to refrain from using rhetoric that may touch on the sensitivities of religion, race, and royalty during the Pelangai state seat by-election campaign.
Fahmi highlighted that the recent victory of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) coalition in the Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang state seat by-elections in Johor on Sept 9 indicated that voters no longer accept such rhetoric. He emphasized, “Enough of the narrow-minded rhetoric (by the Opposition). We focus on unity and efforts to develop the country.”
The Pelangai state seat by-election was necessitated by the death of the incumbent Datuk Seri Johari Harun, 53, in a plane crash near Shah Alam, Selangor, on Aug 17. The Election Commission has scheduled polling for Oct 7, with early voting taking place on Oct 3. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
