KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 19): CelcomDigi Bhd is still in discussions with the government with regards to its participation in Malaysia's 5G network.

“The discussion with the government is still ongoing. Maybe it's best if the government announces it later," said CelcomDigi Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Idham Nawawi.

Asked whether the negotiations could conclude this year, Idham said, "I hope," in response to reporters, after sealing a partnership with Yinson Holdings Bhd to collaborate on electric vehicle charging services here.

“What is important is that we are building a first class network and infrastructure in Malaysia, and we are looking forward to this 5G development,” he said.

On Sept 10, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said all telcos in the country will sign a share subscription agreement (SSA) on equity stakes in Malaysia's government-owned 5G network infrastructure outfit Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) in the near future, Bernama reported.

DNB has been given a target to deliver 80% 5G coverage of populated areas by year-end, with Fahmi saying in July that a second wholesale network will be rolled out as early as January 2024, once DNB reaches its coverage target.

Back in May, Axiata Group Bhd chairman Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzua said it was keen to participate in the second 5G wholesale network through 33.1%-owned CelcomDigi, and looks forward to more discussions with the government.

Aside from CelcomDigi, other telcos in discussions about taking up a stake in DNB include Maxis Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd.

CelcomDigi is currently Malaysia's largest mobile network operator with 20.3 million subscribers in 4Q2022, following the merger between Celcom Axiata Bhd and Digi.Com Bhd which was completed in December last year.

CelcomDigi’s shares traded down two sen or 0.5% to RM4.46, giving it a market capitalisation of RM52.3 billion.

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