Communication and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadhil said the government has yet to appoint any vendor for the second 5G network, replying to reports that Huawei has been given the contract without a tender process.
Since the announcement of a Dual Wholesale Network model was announced, speculation was rife on which vendor or vendors would be appointed to manage the second network. Local media had reported that the government had gone ahead and handed the project to Huawei via direct negotiations.
DNB, currently the single entity deploying the network through its deal with Ericsson had said that RM16.5 billion will be needed to establish 5G across the country, that amount according to Fahmi will be maintained when BusinessToday asked him during an event hosted by Ericsson. When inquired about the second infrastructure, Fahmi said the operators would be using their own funds but stopped short in elaborating if the government will be undertaking any role in the second network.
As of now, 5G coverage or COPA in Malaysia has touched 70% based on DNB’s report while adoption is at 7%.
