KUALA LUMPUR: Maxis Bhd
said it will engage with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to understand the rationale for its selection of the mobile network operator to implement the nation's second 5G network.
Subsequently, it will consider its options after discussions with all stakeholders.
The MCMC announced on Friday that U Mobile Sdn Bhd had won the bid to implement the second 5G network against Maxis and CelcomDigi Bhd.
"Maxis notes the MCMC's selection of the mobile network operator to build and operate the nation’s second 5G network, a critical component in Malaysia’s communications infrastructure and development plan," said Maxis.
In a statement, the telco said it is a homegrown Malaysian company with 77% of its shares owned by Malaysians.
"Our deep roots in Malaysia ensure that we always have the best interest of the rakyat and nation in mind. We are deeply committed to the long-term development of Malaysia, and to ensuring that our entire nation shares in the benefits of 5G and the digital economy," it added.
The telco said it submitted a comprehensive technical and commercial proposal in response to MCMC’s invitation to tender for the second 5G network.
"Our proposal encapsulated our 30 years of experience in financing, building, and operating first-rate networks and in providing top-notch service to our customers in Malaysia.
Maxis’ 5G network proposal is based on 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology, the next iteration of 5G with enhanced capabilities developed for enterprise applications," it added.
Maxis said its extensive enterprise business caters to the ICT needs of over 140,000 enterprise customers, and is primed to help improve 5G adoption among enterprises, a key goal of the government.
It noted that its extensive coverage of Malaysia with over 11,000 mobile sites nationwide can be readily upgraded to deliver the best 5G experience and advance the nation’s digital development.
"A substantial percentage of our mobile sites are already fiberised, and we are accelerating our fiberisation to support ever faster 5G speeds.
"With Maxis’ robust network infrastructure and know-how, our 5G network would have taken far less time and resources to cover the same percentage of populated areas that the first 5G network covered. We would also have provided in-building 5G coverage in those areas."
Maxi also reassured its customers and the rakyat that they will continue to enjoy its 5G services through its existing access agreement with Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).
"We remain steadfast in our commitment to provide top-notch value and service to our customers and the rakyat," it added.
