KUALA LUMPUR – U Mobile has received the official letter of award from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to develop Malaysia’s second 5G network,
confirming its role in deploying the high-speed technology as the country transitions to a dual network model.
In a statement, the company expressed support for the government’s dual network model, which aims to enhance competition, drive innovation, and strengthen the telecommunications industry’s sustainability.
Chief executive officer Wong Heang Tuck said U Mobile is committed to expanding Malaysia’s digital infrastructure.
“U Mobile is honoured to receive the confidence from the Malaysian government and MCMC to implement Malaysia’s newest 5G network,” he said.
“With this mandate, U Mobile looks forward to playing a more critical role in realising the government’s ambitions to make Malaysia a regional leader in the digital economy by delivering a superior experience through our enterprise-grade next gen 5G network.
“We are committed to supporting the nation’s digital transformation by driving 5G adoption, supporting Malaysia’s aim of becoming a high-income digital nation.”
MCMC announced in November last year that U Mobile had been selected to deploy the second 5G network, marking the end of a prolonged debate over the country’s 5G implementation strategy.
The commission confirmed that U Mobile would be allowed to collaborate with other network providers on the rollout.
Malaysia had initially adopted a single wholesale 5G network under Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), with five mobile network operators—CelcomDigi Bhd, Maxis Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd—taking equity stakes in DNB to facilitate its development.
The government later shifted to a dual network model to prevent monopolies. In August last year, CelcomDigi, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, and U Mobile submitted their bids to MCMC to establish the second 5G network.
Proposals for an alternative network were first made in late 2021 but were rejected in March 2022. The government then offered a 70% stake in DNB to telcos, leading to protracted negotiations. Celcom, Digi, Telekom Malaysia, and U Mobile eventually reached an agreement in October 2023 to provide 5G services through DNB.
The development of the second 5G network is expected to accelerate nationwide 5G adoption and further Malaysia’s goal of becoming a leading digital economy. – March 29, 2025