KUALA LUMPUR: CelcomDigi Bhd has today stressed that it is still keen to play a more active and direct role in Malaysia's fifth generation (5G) implementation.

The emphasis came less than 24 hours after CelcomDigi announced on Wednesday that it was pulling out from participating in the equity capital of Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).

Wednesday's announcement, in turn, was just hours after Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government would allow the formation of a second 5G network provider as early as next year.

"As per the government's announcement, the earlier process to subscribe to equity in DNB through the respective share subscription agreements (SSAs) is rendered void.

"The termination of the respective SSAs will clear the path for CelcomDigi to participate in any new process, including equity participation, together with the industry," said CelcomDigi, which was a merger between Celcom Axiata Bhd and DiGi.Com Bhd.

CelcomDigi, in today's statement, reiterated that it welcomed the government's decision to implement 5G under two networks once 80 per cent coverage of populated areas (CoPA) had been achieved by DNB.

Following the government's announcement on Wednesday, CelcomDigi disclosed to shareholders via a statement to Bursa Malaysia that both Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd and Celcom Mobile Sdn Bhd had terminated previous respective SSAs signed in November 2022 with DNB effective from May 3.

"CelcomDigi welcomes the opportunity to play a more active and direct role in the country's 5G implementation, leveraging on our experience and resources, existing widest 4G network, and supply chain and partner ecosystem to support the government's 5G ambitions, as we bring the best 5G solutions and offerings to Malaysian consumers and businesses," said CelcomDigi on Thursday.

The termination of SSAs did not have any impact on its 5G services, the company added.

"(Our) customers currently on 5G connections may continue to enjoy the service, according to ongoing product offers," it said.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/05/905686/celcomdigi-says-still-keen-more-active-direct-5g-participation-despite