PUTRAJAYA: The ongoing dispute between Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) will not affect Malaysia’s target of achieving 95% 5G coverage, says government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
However, he is hoping that DNB and TM will settle their issues amicably.
“This is a commercial contract dispute between the two, and at the same time, both (DNB and TM) are also MCMC licence holders.
“In terms of our objectives, we have achieved 80% coverage, which has enabled the establishment of the second 5G network.
“We don’t see the issue between the two affecting our targeted 95% 5G rollout in the future. But I hope both sides can solve this one amicably,” said Fahmi during his weekly press conference yesterday.
On Feb 25, TM announced its plans to terminate its 5G access agreement with DNB and 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 the 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.
