Digital Nasional Bhd showcases the 5G network and its use
DIGITAL Nasional Bhd (DNB) has catalysed the 5G network in Malaysia, which will start its coverage in Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and parts of Kuala Lumpur from Dec 15, 2021. The coverage is expected to extend to 80 per cent of populated areas in the country by the end of 2024.
DNB chief corporate affairs officer Zuraida Jamaluddin said the company was established to accelerate the deployment of the 5G network and realise the potential of 5G in Malaysia to spur economic activity.
"We also plan to narrow the urban-rural digital divide and improve the current state's infrastructure while avoiding duplication of infrastructure and promote a service-based competition within the communications industry," she said.
DNB aims to accelerate the development of high-speed, affordable and reliable 5G connectivity and coverage for Malaysia's economy and society. This led it to adopt a 5G Multi-Operator Core Network technology that allows multiple telecommunication companies to integrate with DNB's 5G Radio Access Network to be shared with mobile network operators (MNOs) core networks.
ENGAGING TELCOS
In order to provide 5G to end-users, DNB has been engaging with the telecommunications industry and will be offering a wholesale 5G service "at no cost" to all integrated MNOs under the DNB network. The offer applies to the said areas from Dec 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
Furthermore, MNOs will make 5G services available to all customers with compatible devices within the coverage areas.
DNB chief commercial officer Ahmad Taufek Omar, meanwhile, said DNB is waiting for the References Access Offer to be approved by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
In this case, MCMC provides the 5G spectrum to DNB for it to build a single secure and adaptable "superhighway" for DNB customers.
"All MNOs that enter the Wholesale Agreement before March 31, 2022, will get free access to all additional 5G capacity as sites go live up to the date mentioned," said Ahmad Taufek.
Moreover, end-users with 5G-compatible devices will get 100 Mbps and above even at the weakest 5G coverage point.
In order to have a lower price for MNOs' customers for 5G mobile services, DNB's wholesale 5G services to the MNOs will be lower than the current cost of 4G.
The 5G services, which have improved connectivity speeds, will open up innovations and fast streaming, downloading of 8K quality video content, cloud-based gaming as well as AR/VR content.
DNB head of technology strategy Dr Mohamed Sulaiman Suhaibuddeen said DNB will not compete with the industry in providing retail services to end-users, but will complement MNO efforts in the adoption of 5G instead.