In a written parliamentary reply, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the new detailed business plan would be key in ensuring DNB’s sustainability as a 5G network provider.
“This new detailed business plan includes, among other things, strategies for service continuity and the expansion of the 5G network, as well as the company’s financial and revenue plans,” he said.
He said DNB submitted an interim detailed business plan to MCMC on Dec 13 last year while the full plan will be submitted to MCMC in the near future.
Fahmi said DNB currently has several shareholders consisting of service provider companies with extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, and their expertise will contribute to DNB’s ability to continue competing in Malaysia’s 5G dual-network ecosystem.
He said the ministry, through MCMC, is also evaluating the detailed business plan submitted by U Mobile Sdn Bhd.
Fahmi said an award notice is expected to be issued to U Mobile in the near future subject to the approval of the detailed business plan.
The minister was responding to a question from Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Independent-Kuala Kangsar) on updates about the implementation of the country’s second 5G network by U Mobile and how the communications ministry plans to ensure DNB’s sustainability.
The government agreed to allow a second 5G network after shares in the state-owned DNB were sold to Maxis, CelcomDigi, U Mobile and YTL Communications. The government retains a 30% stake and a special share in DNB for a designated period.
DNB was set up in 2021 as a special purpose vehicle to develop the country’s 5G network and offer wholesale 5G services to private companies.
In May 2023, the government said the country would shift to a dual 5G model once DNB attained 80% coverage in populated areas, a level achieved in December 2023.
Last November, MCMC announced that U Mobile, chaired by tycoon Vincent Tan, had been selected to implement the country’s second 5G network.
MCMC said U Mobile’s selection was based on factors such as the business and technical planning submitted, its complaints and customer satisfaction record, as well as its performance in implementing other infrastructure initiatives.