Two of Malaysia’s main mobile network operators (MNOs), Celcom and Digi, have confirmed final approvals of their Access Agreements (AAs) with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) for access to Malaysia’s 5G Single Wholesale Network (SWN). As previously reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, earlier this month six MNOs – Celcom, Digi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL and Telekom Malaysia – agreed terms in their respective AAs with DNB, the state-backed company tasked with rolling out the country’s sole 5G network.

Celcom announced today (31 October) that: ‘starting 1 November 2022, Celcom customers, including Celcom Business customers, who have 5G-enabled devices and are subscribed to selected Celcom post-paid and prepaid plans, will automatically be able to access 5G network services within 5G coverage areas. During this introductory period, Celcom is waiving the 5G access fee for customers to enjoy 5G services as per their internet quota from their existing plans, until 31 December 2022. In addition, Celcom customers with 5G-enabled devices will also be able to enjoy various 5G Virtual Reality content as well as 5G roaming services in 14 countries. Customers subscribed to [seven post-paid and two pre-paid] selected Celcom plans will be able to enjoy free 5G access.’

Digi disclosed on the same day that its finalised AA with DNB will enable ‘gradual deployment of 5G retail services for consumers and enterprise customers’, while confirming: ‘it will subscribe to DNB’s 5G wholesale network for a period of ten years, to develop and offer end customer retail services which includes 5G connectivity. Digi will also be able to develop innovative 5G solutions and value-added services internally and with partners to meet future enterprise customer needs … Digi will continue to invest in and operate its own core network, nationwide 4G+ network and data centres. With the 5G SWN model, Digi expects a gradual shift from a traditional network ownership model towards a network leasing model for 5G … Digi continues its ongoing 5G network testing with its technology partners and DNB, towards enabling its customers to soon enjoy 5G services. More details on Digi’s 5G offerings will be shared in due course.’

TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that one Malaysian MNO, YTL(Yes), soft-launched limited 5G services in December 2021 via an initial agreement with DNB. MaxisU Mobile and Telekom Malaysia were yet to issue press releases about upcoming 5G launch plans on their websites as of 31 October.

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