Last month, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said MCMC was evaluating U Mobile’s detailed business plan for the rollout of the nation’s second 5G network, with a notice of award expected to be issued within the month.

In a statement today, U Mobile said it was honoured to receive the government’s confidence to implement Malaysia’s newest 5G network, and that it was excited to commence the rollout.

It said that with a solid track record spanning more than 17 years, it was confident in its ability to deliver a state-of-the-art next generation 5G network.

“With this mandate, U Mobile looks forward to playing a more critical role in realising the government’s ambitions to make Malaysia a regional leader in the digital economy by delivering a superior experience through our enterprise-grade next generation 5G network,” said U Mobile CEO Wong Heang Tuck.

“We are committed to supporting the nation’s digital transformation by driving 5G adoption, supporting Malaysia’s aim of becoming a high-income digital nation.”

The company also said the government’s decision to implement a dual 5G network enhanced the industry’s sustainability while promoting competition and innovation, ensuring that Malaysia remained at the forefront of technological advancement.

U Mobile was selected to implement the nation’s second 5G network last November.

Putrajaya agreed to allow a second 5G network after shares in the state-owned Digital Nasional Bhd (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.