Petaling Jaya: A PKR MP has asked both Minister of Finance and Minister of communications and multimedia to explain the impact of the delay in deploying Digital Nasional Bhd‘s (DNB) 5G towers.
Can Rollout of 5G Towers Complete on Schedule?
Questioning the potential impact of such delays, Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fazil asked: “What effect do these delays have, for example, on contracts signed by DNB? Will it have any effect on equity owners?”
In a statement, Fahmi pointed out that by now the DNB rollout should have reached 4,500 towers, but only about half of that total has been completed.
“This does not take into account the installation of fibre to the towers,” he added.
He also said at least the two major telecommunications companies have not yet trusted the Single Wholesale Network (SWN) proposed by the finance, communications and multimedia ministries through DNB. He cited a Reuters report, citing sources that said Maxis Bhd and U Mobile had no plans to invest in the 5G agency that owned by State.
The report said two sources said neither telecom company saw any benefit in him being a minority shareholder in DNB, but both companies wanted DNB's access to the 5G network.
This comes after communications and multimedia minister Annuar Musa said on Saturday that talks with the six telecommunications companies participating in the DNB are progressing well, with the six firms signing contracts on March 31 and they are set to meet the deadline.
