PETALING JAYA: Telecommunication companies will finalise their equity in the share subscription agreement in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) for the second 5G network by June 21, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.
He, however, added that the rolling out of the network will take some time.
"The Cabinet, especially the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), has requested that all four ministries (Communications, Digital, Finance and Investment, Trade and Industries) hold coordination meetings to ensure the implementation of the second phase (5G) that was decided last May is carried out smoothly.
"That is why we had the meeting yesterday (Saturday). Alhamdulillah. Everything went well.
"Today, there is a follow-up meeting between DNB and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission and I see that almost all telcos are ready to sign or prepare for equity participation in DNB.
"We expect this to happen by June 21 and we will witness the beginning for the second 5G network in our country," he told reporters at the 'Road to NCT' Junior Badminton Championship Grand Finale.
He added that yesterday's meeting reviewed various aspects to ensure all plans are completed and organised, emphasising additional aspects for the industry.
The timeline for implementing the second 5G network, he said, would depend on the telcos' business plans.
"It depends on who enters the second network (plan) and what their business plan is. Do they plan to build or use existing towers? There are many factors, but we would give time for the implementation of the second 5G network.
"While the second network is being built, there is an understanding between the two networks where network sharing will occur.
"This was discussed early on, and for the 4G network, all telcos signed a memorandum of understanding for network sharing on May 9th.
"We have succeeded in doing this, and I believe for 5G, could be implemented smoothly because there is already a foundation. So, I believe it will go well," he added.
In December, five mobile network operators (MNOs) signed a SSA with DNB as part of the transition from a single wholesale network (SWN) to a dual network.
Fahmi said the Cabinet has agreed that the implementation of the 5G network will shift from SWN to the dual network once the coverage reaches 80 per cent of the populated areas.
As of April 30, the 5G network has reached 81.5 per cent of the total populated areas and the adoption rate was 39.2 per cent.
On a separate matter, Fahmi attended the championship in his capacity as the Pantai Dalam member of parliament, which was held within his constituency.
Fahmi said, the tournament which had attracted over 3,000 young shutters from six states is an activity that could polish the skills of the next generation of athletes.He hoped that its sponsor, NCT Alliance Bhd, could expand the tournament to include more states.
A total of 400 players have participated in the Grand Finale. Four lucky winners were rewarded with an all-expenses paid trip to the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.