DNB on target for 80% 5G nationwide coverage in 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s 5G network has achieved almost 50% coverage of populated areas (COPA) with some 3,900 sites as at end-2022 – comfortably exceeding the target of 40%.

In a statement, Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) said it is now focused on delivering the committed target of 80% COPA by end-2024, if not earlier.

The network currently reaches some 15 million people today and when fully deployed, it will reach more than 30 million people and businesses.

DNB has achieved more than 90% COPA throughout Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, and Selangor as well as some 50% across Johor, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan.

According to DNB, all other states are in various stages of deployment and, together with the aforementioned states, are expected to achieve full network deployment in 2024, if not earlier.

“Having exceeded our 2022 network coverage target, we are working closely with both our mobile network operator (MNO) partners and device manufacturers to promote and encourage the rapid adoption of 5G nationwide in 2023.

“The MNOs have introduced numerous 5G data plans for their customers at very attractive retail prices, so as to encourage adoption of 5G services,” chief operating officer Nasution Mohamed said.

Except for Maxis Bhd, all MNOs – Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YES) – have made retail 5G services available to their more than 20 million subscribers, following the signing of their respective 5G Access Agreements with DNB on Oct 31, 2022.

Maxis’ customers are unable to access retail 5G services pending their shareholders’ approval to execute the 5G Access Agreement with DNB, which Maxis has indicated it plans to seek in January this year.