TM finalising 5G network rollout with DNB

KUALA LUMPUR: Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) is in final negotiation with Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) as it moves towards rolling out the 5G network.

TM managing director and group chief executive officer Imri Mokhtar said the equity and the wholesale agreement with DNB are being finalised and it is working to meet the dateline of Aug 31, set by the Finance Ministry.

“As a preferred partner of DNB, we expect that the fibre leasing services that we provide for the rollout of 5G network towers, to pick up rapidly in the second half of this year.

“We have also expressed interest to DNB to register as a shareholder, and the process is still ongoing,” he told a media briefing following TM’s second quarter (2Q22) financial results announcement.

Although there was no tentative timeline given on when the 5G network service would be launched, Imri said the company has been continuously testing the 5G service with some of its customers.

Elaborating on the usage of 5G devices, he said this would depend on the system of the device.

“There are more devices coming into the market supporting the 5G network.

“We don’t see 5G as a mobile service but part of our convergence’s proposition. We will continue to support the hyperconnectivity lifestyle, be it 4G or 5G,” he said.

Meanwhile, TM may revise its 2022 market guidance after the release of its 3Q results this year, according to Imri.

This came as revenue growth was improving at 7.3% in 2Q22 compared with 6.4% for the financial year 2021.

Its 2022 market guidance for revenue growth outlined a low to mid-single digit growth.

“Looking at the momentum, we will, if necessary, be providing new market guidance. But this will be when TM’s revenue growth is not only derived from unifi but also TM One, TM Wholesale and Credence – a company that was recently launched to drive our corporate customers in terms of digital capabilities and skills,” he said. — Bernama