TELECOMMUNICATION companies have submitted their 5G roll-out proposals to the government and will await the cabinet’s decision on the matter.

Industry players said the proposals are for the establishment of a dual wholesale network (DWN).

The network will be developed and operated by two consortiums, involving the government, Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), and mobile network operators (MNO) that are ready to invest.

“We see the DWN model as a feasible option that leverages MNO capabilities, existing resources and the experiences of thousands of technical talents,” they said in a statement.

“We are committed and look forward to playing our part in realising the long-term sustainable benefits to the nation; a win-win solution for the government, industry and rakyat.”

The statement is issued by Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Maxis Bhd and U Mobile Sdn Bhd.

Industry players have been in talks with the government and provided facts and views with regard to the matter.

Last Saturday, DNB chief executive officer Ralph Marshall said the government chose to opt for the single wholesale network (SWN) to address internet connectivity issues in the country.

In Malaysia, suburban and rural areas have poor internet connectivity, with 4G coverage and quality are marginal at best, he added.

He said an SWN will remove the need for MNO to invest in 5G network, allowing them to focus on improving their existing 4G and fibre networks under the Jendela initiative.

The telco operators’ move is a response to Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming, who questioned the former whether the contention is accurate that they have failed to work together to come up with a workable ownership structure for the 5G roll-out.

“Is this an accurate depiction of the chronology behind the discussion to establish a consortium-led SWN entity and subsequent establishment of DNB, which will take up 100% ownership and responsibility of the 5G roll-out?”

The DAP lawmaker urged the operators to issue their own response to the DNB and Finance Ministry argument that “one multi-lane highway built for the purpose of 5G roll-out, where different lanes can be shared by the MNO at a lower cost compared to each MNO building and owning their own highways”.

The telco operators said they fully support the government’s MyDigital initiative and development of the digital economy in Malaysia, of which the 5G network is among the critical infrastructure. – February 18, 2022.