Maxis ready to sign DNB SSA and launch into new 5G network: CEO

Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng said on Friday the telco was ready to sign its share subscription agreement (SSA) to take a stake in 5G wholesaler Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and aimed to play a major role in the deployment of Malaysia’s second 5G network. .

Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, U Mobile, YTL and CelcomDigi’s Infranation signed SSAs in December 2023 to collectively take a 70% stake in DNB, with each taking a 14% stake. However, the SSAs are not yet finalized as telecom operators are still negotiating on the “conditions precedent” that must be resolved before the SSAs can come into force.

Last week, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said all SSAs must be signed by June 21, which is also a condition for participating in the government’s planned second 5G network.

In a statement, Goh said Maxis was ready to finalize its SSA and sign the Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA) with DNB, which he said “puts Maxis on track to quickly complete its SSA process and participate to the deployment of the second 5G Network” well before Fahmi’s deadline.

Goh also said Maxis is “fully committed” to the rapid implementation of the 5G dual network model and intends to play a major role in its rollout, including driving 5G adoption and innovation and advanced 5G to consumers, businesses and the government sector. .

“We would like to see an early conclusion of the SSA process as it will bring greater certainty to the rollout of the country’s dual 5G network,” Goh said. “Maxis is fully prepared to immediately begin building the second 5G network to accelerate the country’s 5G plan and bring its economic benefits to Malaysians faster.”

The government has already started laying the groundwork for a second 5G network at ministerial level. On June 2, representatives from the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Digital, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry met to discuss their respective roles and functions in implementing implementation of the 5G dual network model.

According to figures from the Ministry of Communications as of April 30, DNB’s 5G network coverage for populated areas stood at 81.5%, while the 5G adoption rate reached 39.2%.