At a media briefing today, Tan dismissed comments by analysts that U Mobile would struggle to roll out the second 5G network independently.

He said U Mobile plans to roll out the network in the next 15 to 18 months, The Edge reported.

“Why don’t we wait until 15 and 18 months and see the meaning of struggle? We were offered more loans than we needed, and we are experienced (in this field),” he said.

Asked about potential collaboration, Tan said he is looking for a partnership with Chinese telecommunications suppliers Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and ZTE Corp.

“We do not need new local partners. Huawei and ZTE are the best in terms of 5G technology,” he said.

“They will be supplying the 5G equipment and providing financing. We need to fork out our own capex (capital expenditure) together with financing from the banks. But everything is still not yet finalised.”

He, however, did not want to comment on the capital expenditure required for rolling out the second 5G network.

On Jan 10, RHB Investment Bank Bhd said in a research note that U Mobile is likely to enter into network collaborations to defray 5G capex estimated at RM3 billion to RM4 billion.

Five days later, Hong Leong Investment Bank said in a note that U Mobile will likely struggle to roll out the second 5G network, pushing the company to even consider a merger.

Kenanga Research suggested that U Mobile’s 5G rollout may face delays because of pending partnerships, vendor selection, financing, and collaboration with CelcomDigi Bhd or Maxis Bhd, whose close subscriber bases make both viable options.

Previously, Tan had said the door was not completely closed, when asked whether there will be potential partnerships with Maxis or CelcomDigi.

He said then that there had been no discussions “but you’ll never know”.