KUALA LUMPUR – The implementation of Malaysia’s 5G network faces further brickbats, as opposition MPs urge the government to reconsider using a single wholesaler system.
Speaking during a press conference at Parliament, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang-PH) asked the government not to rush in implementing Malaysia’s 5G infrastructure before holding proper discussions with telecommunication service providers.
The Ledang MP was referring to a Reuters report that said none of the main Malaysian mobile carrier networks agreed to use the 5G network provided by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), a special purpose vehicle under the Finance Ministry mandated to undertake the deployment of the 5G infrastructure and network.
He said the refusal by these mobile carrier networks is due to transparency and pricing issues.
“DNB itself confirmed that the period for discussions was too optimistic, given the launch of 5G networks in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Cyberjaya next month at 500 sites.
“Given this development, the government should restudy this single network wholesaler system by DNB, not rush its implementation before holding proper discussions with telecommunication service companies,” Syed Ibrahim told a press conference in Parliament.
He urged the government to consider the long-term impact of using a single network wholesaler system to roll-out the 5G network since such methods have failed in other countries, and practice transparency as the initiative involves billions of ringgits.
Meanwhile, Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai-PH), likened Reuters’ revelation to a slap to the government’s face, adding that the use of DNB as a special purpose vehicle, would affect the country adversely should it fail, and the company incur debts.
“DNB’s debts may become a contingent liability, where if the company fails to service these debts, Malaysians will end up having to shoulder it.
“Further, by using DNB, we will witness the late implementation of our 5G infrastructure.
“Meanwhile, in the Asean region, Philippines, Thailand and Singapore already have 5G networks,” Fahmi said.
Today, Reuters published an exclusive report stating none of Malaysia’s major mobile network carriers has agreed to use DNB’s 5G network due to transparency and pricing issues.
This is despite the fact that the 5G network has a planned roll-out next month in three major areas – Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.
Previously, during an interview with The Vibes, DNB chief executive Augustus Ralph Marshall assured that the company will focus its efforts on a cost-recovery model that is accessible to all.
Criticisms regarding the company’s monopolistic nature were rubbished by Augustus, as DNB remains a single neutral party to accelerate the deployment and adoption of 5G connectivity to complement the efforts of mobile network operators.
Meanwhile, Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa also assured that DNB is highly regulated and is scrutinised under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
Annuar acknowledges that Malaysia lags behind its neighbours and contends that DNB will fast-track the nation's 5G roll out. – The Vibes, November 11, 2021
