With U Mobile completing its exit from DNB and forming the country’s second 5G network, the telecommunication landscape is about to change significantly.
Two parallel 5G networks will be operating at full capacity and compete with each other at certain markets for share.
The bigger question will be what happens to DNB, the operator of the first 5G network is now left with YTL, CelcomDigi and Maxis as its main shareholders, the remaining stake owned by the Ministry of Finance will also eventually be diluted, leaving the entity fully private owned.
In a statement released today, Digital Nasional Berhad said it is entering a new phase of its 5G journey as the country’s national 5G infrastructure provider looks to accelerate network upgrades aimed at improving capacity, performance and readiness for next-generation digital applications.
The company said it is currently activating its newly allocated 3.3–3.4 GHz spectrum, known as “F-Zero”, which together with its existing 3.4–3.5 GHz spectrum gives DNB a total contiguous mid-band spectrum capacity of 200MHz — the largest in Malaysia.
DNB said the expanded spectrum effectively doubles network capacity, improving efficiency and delivering a stronger user experience, particularly in high-demand locations.
The enhanced capacity is expected to support the next wave of enterprise digitalisation, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications and mission-critical services.
More than 50 sites have already been upgraded, with additional locations scheduled for activation as DNB continues strengthening performance across high-traffic areas.
DNB said Malaysia’s demand for mobile data has grown significantly, with average monthly usage increasing from about 19GB during the COVID-19 period to approximately 40GB per user currently.e aimed at improving network efficiency, reliability and performance while maintaining strong standards in security and resilience.
The company said it will continue working with shareholders and industry partners to expand nationwide coverage and support Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a digitally empowered economy.
DNB currently carries the majority of Malaysia’s 5G mobile traffic, with shareholders including CelcomDigi, Maxis and YTL Communications serving a combined user base of about 30 million customers.
The company said the shared infrastructure model has received continued industry support, with shareholders collectively committing more than RM2 billion in investments to date.
DNB said the collaboration enables the industry to optimise resources, improve efficiency and deliver better value for consumers and businesses.
DNB also confirmed that U Mobile has exited DNB’s 5G network effective June 30, 2026, following the Government’s move towards a 5G Dual Network (DN) model. The government owned entity stressed that its network operations, coverage commitments and service delivery remain unaffected by the transition.
Looking ahead, DNB said its focus will be on strengthening network performance, scaling enterprise capabilities and enabling new digital innovation opportunities.
“We are entering a new phase for DNB — one defined by stronger capacity, deeper collaboration, and sharper execution,” said Datuk Azman Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of DNB.
“With rising demand and new digital opportunities ahead — particularly in AI and enterprise digitalisation — we are committed to delivering a network that not only meets today’s needs, but powers Malaysia’s digital future,” he added.
DNB said the next phase of its development will centre on transforming 5G from a connectivity platform into a foundation for Malaysia’s broader digital economy.“Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) is entering a new phase of its 5G journey as Malaysia’s national 5G infrastructure provider accelerates network upgrades aimed at improving capacity, performance and readiness for next-generation di
