The Malaysian government is giving up a monopoly on the 5G network and will build a second network starting in January 2024.

Digitalization in Malaysia remains competitive; Image: Malay Mail
The Malaysian government unveiled a dual 5G network model at a press conference today, which will be built starting in January 2024. With this decision, 5G rollout will stay competitive as well.
In 2021, the government unveiled a monopoly for the entire 5G network, which will be operated by state agency Digital Nasional Berhad. The current plan will allow a second entity once DNB reaches over 80% of the population. This is to keep transparency high and prices low.
DNB currently reaches 57.8% of the population, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said at the press conference. By the end of the year, the agency is expected to serve 80% of the population.
Who will handle the expansion for the network has not been set. Fahmi says he is consulting with diplomats and will take a "neutral" position when it comes to commercial terms. The EU and US have already warned Malaysia in letters against Huawei rolling out its 5G network.