DNB’s 5G network goes live, TM and YTL first to offer 5G services in Malaysia

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) has announced that Telekom Malaysia (TM) and YTL Communications (YTL) are their first two customers to access their 5G network. The state-owned 5G provider has made its network available at certain parts of Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur starting today and are offering free 5G access to mobile network operators until the 31st of March 2022.

According to DNB, today marks Malaysia’s first steps towards a 5G future. It aims to accelerate 5G deployment to cover 80% of the population with 5G coverage by 2024.

DNB CEO Ralph Marshall

DNB CEO Ralph Marshall said “We are pleased to welcome both TM and YTL Communications as our very first customers of the 5G network in Malaysia. TM is the country’s oldest telecommunications provider, having introduced telecommunications services nearly 40 years ago in 1984, while YTL Communications is the youngest and only all-4G network provider in Malaysia.”

He added both telcos combined have almost 4.5 million subscribers and an average monthly data demand of 40 to 50GB per subscriber.

Yes declares first to offer 5G

YTL Communications via Yes has declared that it is the first to offer 5G services in Malaysia. Customers with selected plans and 5G compatible devices will get free access to 5G data until 31st March 2022.

Telcos that sign up for the commercial wholesale agreement will gain additional 5G capacity as more sites go live up to 31st March 2022. According to DNB, end-users with 5G-compatible devices will be able to enjoy an average speed of 100Mbps at the weakest point of coverage. It currently has a 40MHz block of the 700MHz spectrum, a 200MHz block of the 3.5GHz spectrum, and a 1600MHz block of the 26/28GHz (mmWave) spectrum.

DNB’s 5G coverage areas in the Klang Valley

Despite criticism on the single wholesale model approach for 5G, DNB is confident that it will be able to enable mobile network operators to offer 5G services at a lower cost than their present cost to produce 4G capacity.

With the announcement, customers on selected plans on Unifi Mobile and Yes will soon be able to access 5G data on DNB’s 5G network. At the time of writing, the big four telcos including Celcom, Digi, Maxis and U Mobile have yet to announce participation in the 5G user trial.

Reuters have reported yesterday that the big four mobile operators are proposing to the government to create two wholesale 5G networks formed by a consortium. It is said that this will speed up deployment and provide Malaysia the security of dual competing network.

The Malaysian government is currently reconsidering the single wholesale model for 5G and are expected to make a decision by January 2022. This opens up the opportunity for an alternative 5G rollout for telcos.

Related reading

Recent Posts

Shell Recharge turns on 180kW DC Charger at Shell Duta Toll Plaza Northbound

For those heading up north or towards Klang from Jalan Duta, there's now a high-powered…

6 hours ago

JomCharge offers 50% off for EV Charging at these TTDI locations

JomCharge and DBKL continue to deploy more street-level EV chargers around TTDI and one of…

1 day ago

U Mobile brings indoor ULTRA5G coverage to Bangsar Village malls and BSC

U Mobile has expanded its own 5G network coverage in Bangsar, bringing indoor connectivity to…

1 day ago

BMW iX1 eDrive20L M Sport: The first BMW EV with long-wheelbase in Malaysia, priced at RM255k est

Revealed alongside the CKD version of the BMW i5 eDrive 40 M Sport Pro, the…

1 day ago

Nissan Finally Gives the Serena a Real Hybrid Powertrain in Malaysia. Estimated from RM160k to RM180k

The sixth-generation Nissan Serena is gearing up for its Malaysian debut in March 2026, bringing…

1 day ago

Tesla Model Y 2026 for Malaysia gets a larger 16-inch screen and black headliner

The updated 2026 Tesla Model Y, featuring a larger screen and refreshed interior, is now…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.