KUALA LUMPUR – Celcom users will likely be able to participate in the company’s trials of 5G broadband as early as next month.
Celcom Axiata Bhd chief executive Datuk Mohamad Idham Nawawi said the company has now integrated super-fast 5G broadband connectivity at 1,000 telecommunications sites around the country.
“We have launched 5G for trials by our staff in Kuala Lumpur,” he said when attending Celcom Business Tech Week 2022 and the launch of Axiata Group Bhd Cyber Fusion Centre.
“God willing, if there are no hindrances and everything runs smoothly, we can bring our customers on board to try 5G service in September as well.”
Also present was Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who said discussions on Digital Nasional Bhd’s (DNB) stake deals are progressing well and are set to meet the deadline, as the deal will be signed by the country’s six major telcos on August 31.
According to Bernama, Annuar said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will chair a meeting on August 29 to decide on a few terms.
“I know what MCMC is going to decide. It’s good for everybody and I’m sure all parties can accept it,” Annuar said.
Earlier this month, The Vibes reported that millions of mobile internet users will begin enjoying 5G broadband connectivity as early as next month, as six telcos will finalise their agreements to acquire stakes in DNB.
Industry sources said many Malaysians could benefit from the initial roll-out of high-speed 5G by mid-September once the telcos ink the relevant deals with DNB, the government’s special purpose vehicle for rolling out 5G through a single wholesale network (SWN).
The sources said several telcos are already in the midst of conducting speed tests in certain major cities before the unveiling of 5G connectivity, which will see rapid deployment within the next few months.
This comes after Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said that the telcos have until August 31 to finalise the agreements to acquire stakes in DNB, or risk missing out on reaping maximum benefits from the nation’s 5G SWN. – The Vibes, August 27, 2022
