In a statement today, the company said feedback from the telcos, particularly their readiness, had been taken into consideration in the planned rollout of the nationwide 5G network.

DNB said there was “a continuous process between DNB, the telcos and our regulator (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) with different focused working groups for technology, cybersecurity and commercial tracks”.

It was addressing claims reported in an article in local media which cited industry sources as saying that none of the telcos had signed any agreement with DNB for 5G wholesale access because the latter had yet to meet all the technical and security requirements the telcos were asking for.

DNB said a Reference Access Offer for 5G wholesale services, the basis for DNB to enter into definitive commercial agreements, was expected to be finalised by the end of November upon MCMC’s approval.

“After this, DNB will be able to finalise commercial negotiations with the telcos,” it said.

Wholesale access for mobile broadband for 5G, also known as Enhanced Mobile Broadband,  the first of the key wholesale services that DNB will be offering to telcos, would be made available from December 2021 onwards.

DNB reiterated that it is committed to keeping 5G wholesale prices affordable.