PETALING JAYA: Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) is hopeful that the four mobile network operators (MNOs) would ink 5G wholesale agreements, according to RHB Research.

       This follows numerous engagements and adjustments made to commercial terms within the reference access offer (RAO), to be published by February.

       RHB said aside from earlier push backs on pricing and the duration of the wholesale contract (10 years), DNB is of the view that the “decision” ultimately boils down to MNOs having to come to terms with the need to relinquish control over their networks, with the focus turning to innovative products, services and solutions.

       MNOs now have the option to sign on a five-year agreement with the option for another five-year renewal, it said.

       With MNOs granted the flexibility to invest in their own core network via the industry regulator’s new access list, published on December 15 Dec 2021, RHB believes they can still look to rollout unique and differentiated offerings.

       This is more so within the enterprise segment with the application of network slicing a feature within a 5G core network and control their customer journey and relationships.

       The government is expected to decide on whether to keep to a 5G single network next week.

       RHB said ahead of the government’s decision, DNB is cognisant of its mandate and hopeful that the contentious narrative would be addressed.