PUTRAJAYA: The ongoing dispute between Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) would not affect Malaysia’s target to achieve 95% 5G coverage, says government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communication Minister said the government have already the objective of 80% coverage, allowing the second 5G network to be set up.
“As I understand it, this is a commercial contract dispute between DNB and TM. At the same time, both are also MCMC license holders.
“We don’t see the issue between the two to affect our targeted 95% 5G rollout in future," Fahmi said during his weekly press conference on Wednesday (March 4).
Fahmi expressed hope that DNB and TM would be able to settle their issues amicably.
On Feb 25, TM announced its plans to terminate its 5G access agreement with DNB and it will instead access 5G services through U Mobile Sdn Bhd.
DNB, in response, said it will take the necessary steps to protect its interests and reserve its rights under the access agreement and at law. DNB also said its access agreement with TM is still in force.
TM, in response, said its termination of the 5G access agreement with DNB is valid and it will pursue the appropriate processes under DNB’s access provisions.
U Mobile, led by tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, was selected in Nov 2024 for Malaysia’s second 5G network rollout.
DNB, meanwhile, was set up by the government in 2021 to be Malaysia’s first and sole 5G infrastructure provider.
Last year, Fahmi had said the 5G network must achieve 95% coverage by the third year of its Detailed Business Plan (DBP).
The DBP for Malaysia’s second 5G network began rolling out in stages beginning July 14 last year.
