Page 77 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2021

WHOLESALE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Malaysian Cellcos Call for Second 5G Wholesale Operator as DNB Switches

on Its First Sites

Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), Malaysia’s sole 5G wholesale service introduce 5G; the operator confirmed earlier this month that it had
operator, has switched on its first live 5G sites, local press outlet struck a deal to trial 5G connectivity with DNB, and it has been
Lowyat.net reports. The sites are located in Kuala Lumpur, suggested that the operator’s ‘unifi Mobile’ branded post-paid
Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, and it is understood that the operator customers will be able to access the 5G network for the trial’s
has around 300 5G base stations in operation initially, although duration. Notably, however, neither YTL nor Telekom Malaysia have
it is expected to increase that figure to 500 within the next few confirmed yet whether they have signed a long-term agreement
weeks. In terms of access to the network for consumers, YTL on the usage of DNB’s 5G wholesale infrastructure. In separate
Communications – which offers services under the Yes banner but related news, Reuters reports that several Malaysian mobile
– is reportedly the first of the country’s telcos to have launched a network operators (MNOs) have, in fact, recommended that the
commercial offering over the DNB network. YTL is marketing SIM- authorities allow for the setup of a second 5G wholesale network
only 5G plans on both a pre-paid and post-paid basis, with the in the country, with the news outlet citing three sources and
latter costing MYR49 (USD11.6) per month and offering 100GB of documents it had seen. As previously reported by CommsUpdate,
4G data in addition to unlimited 5G data until 31 March 2022. In earlier this month the government said it would look to make a
addition, it is also offering a range of handset and 5G SIM bundles. final decision in January 2022 as to whether to allow multiple
Meanwhile, Telekom Malaysia is expected to become the next to 5G network access providers, following reports of concerns from
local cellcos over matters of pricing and transparency. According
to Reuters, representatives from all six MNOs – Celcom Axiata,
Digi Communications, Maxis, U Mobile, Telekom Malaysia and
YTL – met with government officials on 13 December to propose
solutions to the deadlock. It is claimed that Celcom, Digi, Maxis
and U Mobile recommended that the state allow the construction
of two wholesale 5G networks, with each to be built and operated
by a consortium of carriers. For its part, YTL was said to have
objected to such plans, expressing support for a single 5G
network, while Telekom Malaysia indicated it would back any
decision made by the government. DNB said, though, that it was
not privy to the discussions held, with a response regarding the
matter from the company’s CEO Ralph Marshall saying only: ‘We
will respect the process adopted by the government and will make
our representations at the appropriate forum.’

Malaysia Prepares for 5G Wholesale Pilot

Digital Nasional (DNB), Malaysia’s state- the news agency stated. DNB is reportedly raising concerns because commercial
owned 5G wholesale network operator, looking to finalize wholesale arrangements service is scheduled to start by the end
was tipped to begin trials of the technology and sign contracts with operators in early of the year. The government first needs
in parts of three major cities next week, 2022. The Straits Times reported Telekom to approve the 5G access cost, following
with the service to be delivered at no cost Malaysia signed up to participate in the 5G a public consultation. DNB is a special
during the pilot phase, Reuters reported. trials, with Celcom Axiata likely to follow. purpose vehicle set up by the government
The organization said the cost of 5G Last month, Reuters reported DNB had not to manage the a single national 5G
wholesale would be lower than 4G and worked out long-term contracts with the network.
the trial period will end on 31 March 2022, five major mobile operators in Malaysia,

T-Mobile Poland Expands Fiber Coverage with Wholesale Deal

T-Mobile Poland has signed an agreement Inwestycje, the wholesale operator set footprint, taking its overall coverage to 4.7
to lease capacity on fiber-to-the-home up by Orange Poland. The deal will add million premises.
(FTTH) networks operated by Swiatlowod 730,000 households to T-Mobile’s fiber

77 NOV-DEC 2021