Its chief executive officer Idham Nawawi said the proposal sent this morning highlighted CelcomDigi’s commitment to building an advanced 5G network and accelerating its adoption among consumers and businesses, Bernama reported.

“We believe we have submitted a compelling case to deploy Malaysia’s second 5G network – either alone or in partnership with others – towards ensuring a thriving 5G ecosystem built for the nation,” he said in a statement.

The telco emphasised its ability to deliver an affordable, fast, and efficient roll-out of the second 5G network, leveraging its solid track record of over 30 years in rolling out mobile infrastructure projects efficiently and at scale.

CelcomDigi also said it was leveraging its extensive and growing ecosystem of global and local technology partners, and knowledge transfer from its shareholders Axiata and Telenor to drive rapid innovation of new emerging technology solutions for consumers and enterprises.

MCMC has been tasked with selecting a mobile network service provider to develop Malaysia’s second 5G network.

Earlier this month, deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching said mobile network operators (MNOs) involved in Malaysia’s second 5G network were restricted to holding equity in only one entity.

She said that under the agreement between the MNOs and Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), each MNO must choose to invest in DNB (entity A) or the second 5G network (entity B).

“After the conclusion of the applicant information package process, the successful tenderer will lead entity B, while unsuccessful bidders will remain in entity A.”

Those in entity B would have to sell their shares in DNB, ensuring the formation of two distinct entities, Teo had said in the Dewan Rakyat.