KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): Maxis Bhd (KL:MAXIS) says it will engage with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision (MCMC) to understand the rationale for its decision on the award of the second 5G network.

The MCMC had on Friday (Nov 1) said that it had selected U Mobile to lead the second 5G network, having conducted detailed technical and commercial evaluation.

In a statement Sunday night, Maxis said it took note of the selection of the mobile operator to build and operate the nation’s second 5G network.

“We will engage with MCMC to understand the rationale for their decision and we will consider our options after discussions with all stakeholders,” it said.

In the statement, Maxis said: “We submitted a comprehensive technical and commercial proposal in response to MCMC’s invitation to tender for the second 5G network. Our proposal encapsulated our 30 years of experience in financing, building, and operating first-rate networks and in providing top-notch service to our customers in Malaysia.”

It went to say that its 5G network proposal was based on 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology, the next iteration of 5G with enhanced capabilities developed for enterprise applications.

“Our extensive coverage of Malaysia with over 11,000 mobile sites nationwide can be readily upgraded to deliver the best 5G experience and advance the nation’s digital development. A substantial percentage of our mobile sites are already fiberised, and we are accelerating our fiberisation to support ever faster 5G speeds

“With Maxis’ robust network infrastructure and know-how, our 5G network would have taken far less time and resources to cover the same percentage of populated areas that the first 5G network covered. We would also have provided in-building 5G coverage in those areas,” it said.

Maxis went on to assure that, even as it continues to explore its 5G options and engage with its stakeholders, customers will continue to enjoy its 5G services through its existing access agreement with Digital Nasional Bhd. 

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/node/732526