CelcomDigi to consider options on 5G

PETALING JAYA: After being unsuccessful in its bid to roll out the second 5G network, CelcomDigi Bhd says it will discuss with various stakeholders to consider several viable options for the benefit of its customers and shareholders.

The telecommunications company (telco) said its priority remains to ensure its customers have affordable access to a competitive, robust and efficient 5G network.

“In the meantime, we continue to focus on merger integration to realise savings and synergy targets and continue delivering the best possible experience to our customers. Our network integration is now 68% complete and 65% of our customers benefit from improved experience on the new CelcomDigi intelligent network, ahead of schedule,” it said in a statement yesterday.

Last Friday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that it had chosen U Mobile Sdn Bhd to roll out the country’s second 5G network beating bids from CelcomDigi, among others.

The announcement was a disappointment for CelcomDigi.

“We believe we have presented a compelling technical and commercial proposal to build the second 5G network, leveraging on our financial standing and track record of investing in and deploying large-scale mobile networks, and delivering affordable, high-quality services to the rakyat.

“This included the ability to commence nationwide rollout almost immediately after spectrum award, to build a 5G network that will match the population coverage of our 4G and 4G+ network within the shortest time possible,” the telco stated.

It remains committed to the sustainability of the industry and to drive the nation’s transformation into a 5G-artificial intelligence powered digital society.

It has acquired a 16.3% stake each in the country’s first 5G network operator, Digital Nasional Bhd.