MOBILE network operators (MNOs) are expected to sign a share subscription agreement with Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) by the middle of the month, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.

He said the government would focus on executing the deal for the MNOs to take up equity in DNB before initiating discussions on second 5G network deployment.

“The first step is the signing (of the agreement). I was informed by the 5G task force that if everything goes well, this will be done before the middle of this month,” he said at the launch of the Petronas 5G private network today.

CelcomDigi Bhd, Maxis Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd have agreed to take a stake in DNB to support the country’s 5G network development.

The MNOs will hold equal stakes in DNB while the government will maintain a 35% share in the special-purpose vehicle for 5G deployment.

“For the time being, the cabinet has not made any decision to divest,” he added.

Fahmi said the government has yet to decide which MNOs will participate in the second 5G network deployment next year.

“We are getting request for proposals, and discussions are still ongoing, facilitated by the 5G task force which is co-chaired by the Communications and Digital Ministry secretary-general and the Treasury secretary-general.” – Bernama, October 6, 2023.