With the implementation of the 5th generation mobile network, Malaysians can expect lower latency, higher capacity, increased bandwidth and a significant increase in speed. – 123rf
DNB’s 5G roll-out to cover 80% of populated areas by year-end
CONSUMERS and businesses are keen to experience the full benefits of 5G, but options in the country are still limited.
However, the situation will change very soon when 5G coverage is expanded further nationwide.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil assures that the transition from single wholesale network (SWN) to dual network for 5G deployment would begin once the current roll-out under Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) reaches 80% of populated areas by the end of 2023.
DNB, currently a government-owned 5G wholesale service network operator, would continue to roll out the 5G network until it reaches 80% coverage of populated areas (CoPA) before the transition from SWN to dual network happens – which would mean broader options for mobile network operators (MNOs) to offer their services.
Two entities would then be formalised – Entity A to continue DNB operations, and Entity B the country’s second 5G network that would be established after DNB achieves 80% 5G coverage.
“However,existing 5G network coverage is expected to be widened nationwide from 80% to 95%, perhaps even more,” says Fahmi.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil assures that there would not be any price increase for 5G services at the wholesale level, nor will internet speed slow down when the dual network is up and running. – IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Roll-out underway
As of April 30 this year, 5G coverage rate stands at 59.5%. A total of 4,827 5G towers have been constructed from the 7,509 units needed, according to the latest figures provided by the Communications and Digital Ministry.
Highlighting that there would not be any price increase for the services at the wholesale level, Fahmi also quashes worries of the internet speed slowing down when the dual network is up and running.
“The wholesale price per gigabyte for DNB is about 12 to 13 sen. This will be the basis for Entity B, which will be set up after 80% 5G coverage is reached.
“Entity B will use the same frequency spectrum band allotted for 5G which is 700MHz, 3.5GHz and 26/28GHz and would be required to use a supply-driven approach.
“Entity B will not only focus on the remaining 20% of 5G coverage (after DNB hits the 80% target).
“Instead, it will start from scratch, build its own separate network and work towards reaching 80% 5G coverage on its own to ensure network resiliency, robustness and redundancy.
“The government will not be involved in Entity B or in Entity B’s selection of the provider for its 5G infrastructure,” says Fahmi, adding that the ministry has yet to decide who will be part of Entity B.
Addressing concerns of “abandonment”, Fahmi says that DNB would not shutter upon reaching the 80% coverage quota as the government would stand with DNB “until it is time”.
“There will come a time when the government will completely and fully exit DNB. That is a decision for us to make at a later date; it’s not something we are discussing right now.
“We are not and have not changed the model of handling DNB very much at all.
“And contracts have not been cancelled. The government is committed to honour them as much as we can.
“With regards to government ownership, the intent to dilute the shareholdings and equity stake is still there as per how it was before,” he points out.
Network improvements
Implementation of 5G would bring about lower latency, higher capacity, increased bandwidth and a significant increase in speed.
These network improvements would certainly create profound impacts on people’s lives across the globe.
Fahmi says the establishment of Entity B would provide anybody who requires high internet speed a range to select from.
“Individuals and businesses can take their pick from Entity A or Entity B. If both Entity A and Entity B are not to your liking, you can inform MCMC and we will take action.
“Healthy competition between two 5G networks will open up opportunities for more comprehensive coverage while improving the quality of telecommunication services.
“It will drive innovation among the different telcos to provide industries with even faster internet speed and access, and lower the price of broadband services for the people,” he says.
It is believed that the move towards the dual network model could attract more players – traditional telcos as well as new players such as mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), system integrators and IT providers.
Fahmi encourages the industry to show togetherness with the government in efforts to improve the quality of telecommunications services specifically related to network issues.
Task force in charge
The Communications and Digital Ministry has formed a task force to expedite and ensure DNB’s implementation of the 5G network achieves its 80% target by 2023, and a smooth transition to the dual network model in early 2024.
“The main objective of this task force is to monitor the framework and transition plan towards a dual network model for 5G in Malaysia to ensure regularity and order of the implementation covering the aspects of legislation, technical and finance.
“The task force will meet and report to me every two weeks and I will present updates to the Cabinet,” says Fahmi.
The task force is jointly chaired by Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican and Communications and Digital Ministry secretary-general Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission as the secretariat.
Representatives from DNB and other service providers, including CelcomDigi, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, U Mobile and YTL Communications as well as other relevant parties, are in the task force.
