Malaysia’s largest mobile telco, CelcomDigi, has submitted its proposal for the development of Malaysia’s second 5G network to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). As part of the government’s 5G policy shift to transition from a Single Wholesale Network to a Dual Network model, the MCMC issued the Applicant Information Package (AIP) on 1st July 2024, to invite interested telcos to participate in the 5G tender process.
According to CelcomDigi, they claim to be the best choice to build the second 5G network to compete with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). In a press release, the telco said it presents a strong resume for its ability to accelerate 5G and AI for all Malaysians by delivering the most affordable, fast, and efficient rollout of the country’s second 5G network. The company has a solid track record of over 30 years in rolling out mobile infrastructure projects efficiently and at scale.
With its ongoing network modernisation exercise surpassing 50%, CelcomDigi says it operates the widest and most modern 4G network in the country which is also ready for 5G activation, supported by a highly competent engineering team, extensive supply chain, and the biggest network of tower and infrastructure companies to facilitate an expedient deployment of a world-class 5G network for Malaysia.
By the end of 2024, more than two-thirds of their network will be modernised making it the largest and most modern digital network in the country. CelcomDigi added that their 18,000-site strong 5G-ready network is primed to enable fast deployment of 5G and 5G-Advanced technology across its wide footprint and is ready to be commissioned as one of the largest advanced 5G networks in the region.
CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said, “The country is in a prime position to be a regional leader in both 5G and AI development. CelcomDigi’s proposal sets out to build the most advanced 5G network to realise this ambition and accelerate widespread adoption for consumers and enterprises. We have an opportunity to capitalise and build on the existing solid infrastructure, financial strength and robust ecosystem that we have invested in. We believe that we have submitted a compelling case to deploy Malaysia’s second 5G network – either alone or in partnership with others – towards ensuring a thriving 5G ecosystem built for the nation, with the rakyat in mind.”
To help increase the adoption of 5G and AI in Malaysia, CelcomDigi says it has doubled down on efforts to enable the nation’s transformation into a 5G-AI powered digital society through the development of the best 4G/5G product portfolio in the market and industrial-grade solutions to encourage consumer and enterprise adoption.
The telco says it is leveraging its extensive and growing ecosystem of global and local technology partners, and knowledge transfer from its shareholders Axiata and Telenor to drive rapid innovation of new emerging technology solutions for consumers and enterprises.
At the moment, CelcomDigi along with other telcos (Maxis, U Mobile and YTL) are shareholders in Digital Nasional Berhad, Malaysia’s sole 5G network provider. The telco that will be appointed by the MCMC to build the second 5G network will then divest their interest in DNB to focus on building the competing 5G network.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo recently said the price of 5G will be maintained with the dual 5G network model. He said the MCMC has taken steps to ensure that when the second network is established, the prices set will follow the existing rates.
