KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission believes that the open tender for 5G infrastructure development, estimated to be worth RM15 billion, will be announced soon.
MCMC chairman Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek said Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), the special purpose vehicle that will undertake the deployment of the 5G infrastructure and network nationwide, is responsible for the tender selection.
“As for the tender, I believe it should be open soon, but that’s not for MCMC to say.
“DNB will issue a statement. But, I do believe it will be sometime soon,” he told the RHB Investors’ Conference today.
He said 5G commercial services will be made available by the fourth quarter of the year.
Fadlullah said 5G will potentially create 105,000 jobs, adding that the use of technology can reduce the nation’s dependence on low-skilled foreign labour.
“Our goal is to have a secure, resilient and robust 5G network that enables the application of the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
“With 5G, we can unlock industry competitiveness, and better serve the rakyat, enterprises and government.”
He stressed that 5G is an economic imperative and essential to ensure Malaysia’s digital competitiveness. – Bernama, April 9, 2021