00:00 A digital revolution is on the horizon.
00:02 The age of 5G.
00:04 This next-gen technology, worth trillions,
00:06 is set to revolutionize the landscape of our daily lives.
00:10 Think of every app you're using today.
00:12 They owe their very existence to 4G.
00:15 With 5G, the possibilities are set to explode.
00:18 (upbeat music)
00:28 5G is set to transform every sector,
00:30 from healthcare to finance,
00:32 promising improved products, more job opportunities,
00:35 and a thriving economy.
00:37 But first, what exactly is 5G?
00:40 Simply put, it's a successor to 4G,
00:43 delivering higher speed and lower latency,
00:46 and a more connected world.
00:48 Here in Malaysia, our 5G journey begins with DNB,
00:52 a state-owned single network.
00:55 DNB alone develops the infrastructure
00:57 and rents out the 5G networks to all telco companies.
01:01 The telco companies then will sell the 5G services
01:03 to their customers.
01:05 Critics, however, have questioned the implications
01:08 of this government monopoly.
01:09 In order to address this, the new unity government
01:12 is implementing a dual network system,
01:15 aimed at creating a competitive marketplace.
01:18 We want to have healthy competition.
01:20 When there's healthy competition in the market,
01:24 it's the end users that will benefit,
01:25 it's the rakyat that will benefit.
01:27 The intention is clear.
01:29 Two networks, more players, more choices,
01:32 and even better services.
01:34 But concerns arise.
01:36 Will the dual network merely replace a government monopoly
01:39 with a private duopoly?
01:40 Yes, we will have a duopoly.
01:42 MCMC will still provide the regulatory oversight,
01:46 and should there be any anti-competitive behavior,
01:50 then MCMC has full powers to still take action.
01:54 I believe, given the good working relationship
01:58 that I've personally witnessed with the MNOs,
02:00 with DNB, with MCMC,
02:03 even with a dual network approach,
02:07 the rights of end consumers will be protected.
02:10 He sees the opening of the market as a positive move.
02:13 He also mentions a target,
02:15 80% 5G coverage by the end of the year through DNB,
02:18 with a dual network system introduced in 2024.
02:22 However, questions still linger.
02:24 Who will be the second provider?
02:26 How will this dual network operate?
02:28 And what becomes of DNB?
02:30 Without certainty, even getting DNB to achieve the 80% coverage
02:34 by the end of the year may pose a challenge
02:36 as its partners like Ericsson and the banks
02:39 need assurances to continue their support for DNB.
02:42 The Minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fazil,
02:45 shares his perspective.
02:46 Well, there's clarity in the policy.
02:48 I mean, we made an announcement on the 3rd of May
02:52 that the government has decided that we will roll out 5G
02:55 through DNB to 80%, as per what they had agreed
02:59 with Ericsson and other equipment suppliers.
03:02 There's no dispute or no obscurity in that announcement.
03:07 The rollout of 5G network is a top priority
03:09 for this administration.
03:11 And who will take over so-called DNB
03:16 will depend on the discussions until end of the year.
03:19 Once we reach 80% coverage of populated areas,
03:24 then the government will decide to shift
03:27 to a dual network approach.
03:30 The government will allow dual network to be operated.
03:34 Minister Fahmi assures that these changes
03:36 are all part of a larger plan,
03:37 hinting at a forthcoming announcement.
03:40 Hopefully before end of this year,
03:42 maybe by November, early December,
03:47 we will have clarity.
03:49 What is clear is that policy clarity
03:51 and guarantees about the second provider
03:53 are paramount to the success of the 5G rollout
03:56 delivered on schedule.
03:58 5G, an imminent reality and a catalyst
04:01 for our digital economy.
04:03 This is a transition that requires meticulous planning
04:06 and execution.
04:09 Hannah Kam, FMT Business.
04:11 (upbeat music)
04:13 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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