![[UPDATED] 5G roll-out: we’ll discuss with MoF officials soon, says Fahmi](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/07122022_-_Menteri_Komunikasi_Digital__Fahmi_Fadzil_di_sidang_media_di_Kementerian_Komunikasi_dan_Digital_Putrajaya_-_AZIM_RAHMAN_18.jpg)
KUALA LUMPUR – Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil is expected to hold a meeting with Finance Ministry (MoF) officials over the nation's high-speed 5G broadband roll-out.
Speaking during a press conference in Putrajaya today, Fahmi said that the meeting might take place on Monday and will involve talks related to government special purpose vehicle Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) on ways to expedite the implementation of the national 5G network.
“We are aware that there are some issues associated with the company (DNB). The prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) has ordered both ministries to look into the matter.
“I’m estimating that by this time next week, the ministries will have their first meeting, followed by a briefing to the prime minister. In a few weeks, we should be able to determine our direction (for the 5G roll-out),” he said.
He added that as of October 31, DNB, which is Malaysia’s single wholesale 5G network operator, has managed to complete coverage in 2,715 locations across the country, amounting to 36% of total coverage.
“I cannot give a breakdown of the localities (currently benefiting from 5G) at the moment. I will also have to be better appraised on some matters, such as the equity ownership of DNB.”
Responding to whether DNB will be redesignated to his ministry from the purview of MoF, Fahmi said he is unable to confirm the matter.
“The focus now is to look into the situation (of delayed 5G rollout), whether it is a contractual matter or if there are issues relating to mergers or spectrum allocations.”
Under the leadership of then-prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Putrajaya had introduced DNB as a special purpose vehicle under MoF to oversee the rollout of the 5G network.
On Monday, Anwar said his administration would review the 5G network roll-out under DNB, alleging that plans were “not done in a transparent way, with no tender process”.
Previously, Anwar, who was appointed the nation’s 10th prime minister on November 24, said that his government will no longer approve procurements done via direct negotiations. – The Vibes, December 7, 2022
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