Govt to ensure 5G rollout remains as planned – Annuar

The government will ensure the implementation of 5G mobile network services goes according to plan despite two mobile network operators (MNO) having decided not to take a stake in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).

Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa said following the withdrawal of the two companies, negotiations with four other MNOs will continue and are expected to conclude within two weeks, adding that they involve adjustments in the agreement.

He said this was because the government had decided in the original agreement that the majority (stakeholders) should come from the private sector, but the other four companies did not have 50 percent (stake)," he told a media conference after the launch of the Keluarga Malaysia Cheap Sale @ De Dagang today.

"The companies will also need to go back to their boards as they had initially given approval based on an 11 percent subscription.

"So, if we were to offer more, 15 to 16 percent, they have to go back to their boards. We have to give them time," he said.

At the same time, Annuar (above) said, as mentioned by Finance Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the offer is open to other industry players interested in acquiring a stake in DNB.

"What is important is the 5G rollout must remain on track to meet the priority of achieving 80 percent 5G coverage in populated areas by 2024," he added.

Annuar said if the matter can be resolved within one to two weeks, related companies can offer 5G services for areas where infrastructure has been completed without delay.

"We’re maintaining the existing planning timeline for the rollout, if possible, this month.

"If negotiations continue until the end of this month, then there has to be a rollout in early October.

"I do not want delays or the government’s roll-out plans getting interrupted because of one or two companies changing their stand. We must remain on track," he said.

It was reported recently that Maxis Bhd and U Mobile Sdn Bhd had decided not to take a stake in DNB for the 5G programme.

Four MNOs, namely Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi.com Bhd, YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YES) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) still stand by their respective decisions to be part of the programme. 

On the RM700,000 in losses incurred by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) after its decorative trees were damaged during the National Day celebration on Wednesday, Annuar said this was caused by the overwhelming number of visitors who thronged Dataran Merdeka and Jalan Raja Laut to witness the parade.

"Maybe, as a guide, for future programmes involving the public, we should all be more responsible. Government property is also ours," he said.

- Bernama

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