Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Zuraida Jamaluddin said Malaysia’s 5G network has achieved 33% coverage of populated areas (COPA) nationwide (about 10.8 million people).
“By the end of December 2022, nationwide coverage is expected to increase to approximately 40% or slightly over 12 million residents covered. DNB remains on course to achieve 80% COPA by 2024,” she said.
Here are the five things to know about the 5G roll-out:
Johor 5G network coverage is the largest in Malaysia as of August 2022
Meanwhile, the network continues to expand on an accelerated schedule, with 5G sites now being constructed in most states, and as of end-August 2022, the Johor 5G network has covered 28.6% of populated areas in the state (1.08 million residents).
With the country’s major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) set to make 5G available to their end users sometime in November 2022, even more users in the state were able to experience 5G. From Bukit Indah to Johor Bahru Sentral, Skudai to Bandar Baru Uda, Taman Perindustrian Cemerlang, and beyond, the 5G network is quickly expanding throughout the state.
5G-compatible Devices to Increase Availability in the Market Soon
Expanding alongside the network is the list of 5G-compatible devices, which has grown tremendously in the last 10 months. Customers can now choose from 12 device brands and over 100 5G-enabled devices. From major flagships to cheap and cheery, there is a 5G device for every budget.
The 5G network is expected to generate an RM650 billion cumulative GDP uplift between 2022 and 2030 for the country, in addition to creating some 750,000 new high-skilled jobs.
Johor 5G Area Coverage
The following is a non-exhaustive list of current and planned 5G coverage locations through to the end of the year. While DNB is making every effort to raise 5G sites in the locations below, this list is subject to change.
For more information on 5G coverage areas and compatible devices, please visit DNB’s interactive 5G coverage map at https://www.digital-nasional.com.my/interactive-map#map
The Four Mobile Network Operators That Have Executed Share Subscription Agreements
Four mobile network operators (MNOs) have completed share subscription agreements (SSAs) to attain equity stakes in Digital Nasional Berhad: Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YES), and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) (DNB) by the end of 2022.
The SSAs put into effect the MNOs’ 65% equity subscription in DNB, with their individual stakes being as follows: Celcom Axiata (12.5%), Digi Telecommunications (12.5%), YTL Communications (20%), and TM (20%) while the government will hold a Golden Share and keep the remaining 35%.
The Golden Share is said to cover government ownership, sale, and transfer of shares, among other rights and privileges.
What Does The Shareholding of MNOs Meant?
The 12.5% shareholdings for Celcom Axiata and Digi Telecommunications, respectively, are in recognition of their impending merger, according to DNB’s website.
Currently no single MNO may own more than 20% of DNB, and in the event of a merger between the MNOs, the merged entity may not own more than 25% of DNB, in accordance with the terms of the SSA and the governance structure agreed upon by the parties.
More information about 5G may be found at https://www.digital-nasional.com.my/
As of the date of this article’s publication, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim has said that the 5G plans will be evaluated to ensure they strictly followed procedures, after his first cabinet meeting on 5th December 2022. There may be changes made later by the.
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