Ralph Marshall to be 5G SPV CEO

Ralph Marshall’s experience in starting the rollout of the Maxis network gave him the credentials in starting the 5G telecommunications network in Malaysia.

PETALING JAYA: The rollout of the country’s 5G network will be overseen by a small board of professionals where Augustus Ralph Marshall, (pic) who oversaw the rollout of the Maxis and Astro networks, will be appointed CEO.

Heading the board of directors of the special purpose vehicle (SPV) as chairman will be the Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

The government-owned SPV will be in charge to build, own and manage a 5G network for nationwide commercial rollout.

An announcement of the board and appointment of Marshall is expected soon.

A source said the board comprising professionals was chosen to put in place the right people to have oversight of the project.

Marshall’s experience in starting the rollout of the Maxis network gave him the credentials in starting the 5G telecommunications network in Malaysia.

It is reported that the SPV would be investing RM15bil over a span of 10 years to bring 5G services to the country.

The model chosen will alleviate the need of existing telecoms players from investing large sums for the network rollout and avoid the costly duplication of infrastructure.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah was reported to have said that the infrastructure sharing model under SPV would enable telcos to provide wider 5G coverage at competitive costs to consumers, while generating higher returns.

Saifuddin also said that approach would also accelerate the use of 5G in the country and increase the economic capability to produce more innovative products and services.