04/11/2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Two of the country's four largest telecommunications companies, namely Maxis Berhad and Celcomdigi Berhad, believe their proposed commercial and technical plan for the development of the country's second 5G network is more comprehensive than the choice of the Malaysian Multimedia Communications Commission (MCMC), namely U Mobile Sdn Bhd.
Maxis in a statement said, it is a company based in Malaysia, led by local people, and principally it is a company owned by Malaysians with 77 percent of the shares owned by Malaysians.
He said, as a company involved in the national development agenda, the interests of the people and Malaysia itself are always a priority, in addition to ensuring that the entire country receives the benefits of digital technology and 5G.
"We will engage with MCMC to understand the rationale behind their decision (in choosing U Mobile), and we will weigh the available options after discussions with all stakeholders," he added.
Maxis said, based on 30 years of experience in the field of telecommunications, its proposed plan is based on 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology, which is the next iteration of 5G with enhanced capabilities for enterprise application development.
With extensive coverage capable of providing information and technology (ICT) benefits to more than 130,000 companies nationwide, Maxis said it is ready to increase the application of 5G among business entities, which is one of the country's main goals.
Meanwhile, CelcomDigi in its statement said that it was aware of the decision made by the Government through MCMC.
However, he explained, he is confident that he has presented an attractive technical and commercial proposal to build a second 5G network, leveraging their financial position and track record in investment and deployment of large-scale mobile networks, and delivering affordable and high-quality services to the people.
"This includes the ability to start a nationwide rollout almost immediately after the spectrum award, to build a 5G network that will match the population coverage of our 4G and 4G+ networks in the shortest possible time," he added.
CelcomDigi said their network integration is now at 68 percent, and 65 percent of their customers are benefiting from the improved experience, based on CelcomDigi's smart network which is ahead of schedule.
“Our priority remains to ensure our customers have affordable access to a competitive, robust and efficient 5G network. We will discuss with various stakeholders to consider several viable options before us, for the benefit of our customers and shareholders," the statement added.
In contrast to TM who took a stand to support the government's decision on the issue, as long as it increases the benefits of 5G technology to the people, companies, and the country as a whole.
“We remain focused on delivering 5G services and solutions to our users and business segments. Our priority is to ensure that all customers continue to have seamless access to a reliable 5G service and ecosystem.
"With the goal of becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030, TM is committed to playing an important role in building a digital nation, continuously supporting the 5G ecosystem, and driving digital innovation for all Malaysians," he added.
MCMC in a statement on November 1 announced the selection of U Mobile, which is linked to billionaire Tan Sri Vincent Tan, as the second 5G network operator in the country.
According to the agency, in order to maximize the true potential of 5G for the benefit of the people, the industry and the country, it has conducted a rigorous process that includes detailed discussions on technical and commercial aspects, among others to select the mobile network operator (MNO) that will implement the project.
In addition, MCMC said, subject to its approval, U Mobile is allowed to collaborate with other telco operators to implement the network.
"The regulator (MCMC) will continue to monitor the level of implementation of the new 5G network to ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements as stipulated under the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998," he added.
U Mobile in a follow-up statement said it would reduce its foreign majority shareholding to 20 percent to ensure greater Malaysian dominance and called for participation from local investors.
The telecommunications provider said the move was in line with its commitment to the country's agenda.
For the record, CelcomDigi as the largest telecommunications operator in the country has around 25,000 sites, compared to Maxis (11,000) and U Mobile (9,000).
According to U Mobile's corporate website, among its largest shareholders is Straits Mobile Investment Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings in Singapore with 48.26 percent, followed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim (22.31 percent), Magnum Bhd (7.84 percent), Singer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (6.10 percent), and U Telemedia Sdn Bhd (5.59 percent).
