KUALA LUMPUR: Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has lauded Digital Nasional Bhd's appointment of its new board members, describing it as a "critical milestone" in Malaysia's bid to transition to a Dual Network (DN) 5G network model.
In a statement today, Gobind said the appointment of new board members, comprising nominees of the five Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) effective April 24, would lead to the new board convening a meeting soon.
He said the meeting would, among others, review the due diligence findings and work towards the fulfilment of the remaining conditions precedent and the completion of the Share Subscription Agreements (SSAs).
The SSAs, signed between DNB, Minister of Finance, Inc (MoF Inc) and the MNOs on Dec 1, 2023, was done with the objective of putting into effect the government's policy on the transition from a Single Wholesale Network (SWN) 5G model to a DN 5G network model.
Gobind said upon the completion of the SSAs, it is envisaged that the MNOs will collectively subscribe 70 per cent equity in DNB at 14 per cent per MNO, leaving MoF Inc with a 30 per cent equity.
"This latest development is an important step towards fulfilling the government's commitment for the implementation of the Dual 5G Network policy.
"The parties will continue the due process to complete the SSAs, and thereon to enhance Malaysia's 5G network deployment. Enabling advanced digitalisation via 5G is a key focus of the government, towards rapid growth of the country's key economic sectors," he said.
Earlier in Penang, Gobind said it has always been the government's policy and commitment to have a dual 5G network.
He said the last requirement was for DNB to get the board of directors constituted.
"I hope they can move forward quickly because it is very important for us to make sure that we get the dual 5G network.
"That is still the government's policy (to have a dual network) and we are moving towards that.
"This is to ensure that all industries and everyone concerned can take full benefit from the 5G technology," he told reporters after presenting a keynote address during the Connected Industries Day: Transforming Manufacturing With 5G and AI at the Eastin Hotel.
Asked on the possibility that the 5G network would remain affordable to all, Gobind replied in the affirmative.
Gobind said DNB had successfully built the 5G infrastructure backbone across the country with 80.5 per cent coverage of populated areas (COPA) as at the end of last month.
He said there are now more than 11.2 million subscribers as at the end of Feb this year.
DNB earlier today unveiled its new board members, comprising senior leaders from the telecommunications and technology industry, following the signing of the SSAs.
The five new members will join the other two incumbent members, Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican and Ma Sivanesan Marimuthu, on the DNB board.
Late last month, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil had said that a meeting on the dual 5G network model was expected to be held soon.
He said he had asked for the joint task force on 5G to be convened and there would be some discussions on the matter.
