KUALA LUMPUR: The government is open to technology from any country for the nation's second 5G network.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said, however, that any 5G technology must comply with the standards specified under the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations, the Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme, and the Security Assurance Specifications.
In a written parliamentary reply, Fahmi said the government wanted network diversity and aimed to avoid over-reliance on any single network or supplier.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN–Tasek Gelugor), who asked about the potential risks of using 5G technology from Chinese companies, including Huawei and ZTE.
Earlier this month, U Mobile Sdn Bhd was selected as the country's second 5G network provider.
Previously, Fahmi said U Mobile would be subject to certain conditions set by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to develop Malaysia's second 5G network.
He 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.