KUALA LUMPUR: The process of selecting telecommunication operators (telcos) or mobile network operators (MNOs) for the shift to the second 5G wholesale network is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

He said the share subscription agreement (SSA) with four telcos have been signed and completed to pave the way for the transition to the 5G dual whole sale network (DWN).

CelcomDigi Bhd through Infranation Sdn Bhd, Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd through YTL Power International Bhd have all acquired equity stakes in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).

The fifth telco, Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) has until August 21, 2024, to get shareholder approval to complete its SSA.

"The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is in the process of looking at how they can begin the process on moving towards the second network.This is something MCMC will be speaking later on, let the process take place.As it goes along, we will inform the press what has happened and what will happen next," he told reporters at the TNG eWallet e-Mas launch.

Gobind said that there is currently no set timeline for this, but they are hopeful that progress can be made before the end of the year.

"As far as the agreement concern, the agreement has been signed and it has been completed.Now, it is the second stage which is basically the entire process by which we can actually see decisions taken as to who will actually built the next network.That is currently on going and I hope it can be announced soon and be completed before the end of the year," he noted.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/07/1071178/telcos-second-5g-network-be-selected-end-2024-gobind