KUALA LUMPUR: Maxis Bhd says it will engage with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia and Commission (MCMC) to understand the rationale for its decision in the award of the second 5G network.
Maxis, nevertheless, said it noted MCMC's selection of the mobile network operator to build and operate the nation's second 5G network, a critical component in Malaysia's communications infrastructure and development plan.
"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 a statement tonight.
On Friday, MCMC announced that U Mobile had been selected to implement Malaysia's second 5G network.
U Mobile, which is linked to Tan Sri Vincent Tan,
is reportedly half-owned by Singapore-based Straits Mobile Investments Pte Ltd with a 48.3 per cent stake.
Other shareholders include Magnum Bhd with 7.8 per cent, Singer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (6.1 per cent) and U Telemedia Sdn Bhd (5.6 per cent).
U Mobile yesterday said it would trim its foreign major shareholder's holdings in the company to 20 per cent.
Maxis said it is a "homegrown Malaysian company, led by Malaysians and principally owned by Malaysians with 77 per cent of its shares owned by Malaysians."
"Our deep roots in Malaysia ensure that we always have the best interest of the rakyat and nation in mind.
"We are deeply committed to the long-term development of Malaysia, and to ensuring that our entire nation shares in the benefits of 5G and the digital economy," it said.
Maxis said as a strong advocate for the dual 5G network model, it had 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."
Maxis' 5G network proposal is based on 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology, the next iteration of 5G with enhanced capabilities developed for enterprise applications.
"With its extensive enterprise business catering to the ICT needs of over 140,000 enterprise customers, Maxis is primed to help improve 5G adoption among enterprises, a key goal of the government.
"Maxis has always provided fast, secure and reliable connectivity for consumers, businesses and the public sector.
"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."
It added that a substantial percentage of its mobile sites are already fiberised, adding that it is accelerating its fiberisation to support ever faster 5G speeds.
Maxis reassured its customers - both consumers and enterprises - and the rakyat that they will continue to enjoy its 5G services through its existing access agreement with Digital Nasional Bhd.