THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and telecommunications companies (telcos) will meet on Monday following the cabinet’s decision to implement a dual 5G network once the current Digital Nasional Bhd rollout has reached 80% of populated areas, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.

He added that he would explain the government’s decision to allow several entities and telcos working together to build enough telecommunication towers to ensure there is more than one network available after the 5G coverage target under the single network is achieved.

“This is to ensure that if there is a problem with one network, there is still a backup,” he said in Kuala Lumpur today.

Fahmi said he hopes this will be a win-win situation for all while prioritising the people’s rights and, at the same time, resolving the monopoly issue.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said that even though 4G had reached 96.9% coverage, the situation was not yet ideal because the figure was only an aggregate or composite percentage for all telcos.

He said this often meant consumers needed two sim cards or more than one service provider.

“For instance, when they return to their hometown, there is no coverage for Telco A, and in turn, consumers have to spend more for Telco B.

“This matter will be resolved starting in June,” he said.

Fahmi also said the MCMC would meet with Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, to try to understand why they are slow to detect online scams. – Bernama, May 6, 2023.