PUTRAJAYA: U Mobile Sdn Bhd will be subject to certain conditions by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to develop Malaysia's Second 5G network.
Unity government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil, who is also communications minister said the conditions will be established after MCMC evaluates the experience of Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), the operator of the first 5G network.
"I think it's premature for me to announce any conditions that will be imposed. However, if we look at past experiences, such as the merger between Celcom and Digi, we see that the merger came with several conditions set by the MCMC.
"Just as with the implementation of the first 5G network under DNB. Similarly, for the second 5G network, there will be conditions in place," he said in his weekly press conference.
Fahmi said that before any conditions are established, MCMC will meet with U Mobile to understand the latest discussions between the company and any company that wants to work with them.
"From there, some consideration will be given because we need to be aware that the mechanism for the second network will involve spectrum holding. This could be through what is known as apparatus assignment or spectrum assignment.
"These two are instruments under MCMC's control, and in assessing the best approach, MCMC can impose certain conditions," he said.
He said the conditions imposed later are to ensure that there is no unbalanced situation in the ecosystem.
Asked if the government would re-evaluate the selection of U Mobile as Malaysia's Second 5G network provider following criticism from several parties, Fahmi said that was not the case.
"In the context of the selection, it was done independently by the technical team in MCMC and decided unanimously by the members of the commission.
"The administration was not involved and I have to remind you that this is not a contract, this is not a licence.
"Furthermore, there are no public funds involved in developing the country's second 5G network and in terms of management and governance, so far everything is running in order, there is no interference," he said.