PETALING JAYA: Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) said extensive discussions have been and are taking place between it and telecommunications operators (telcos) under the supervision and guidance of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Their feedback, particularly their readiness, has been taken into consideration in the planned rollout of the nationwide 5G network, DNB said.
DNB said that on the issue of not meeting the technical and security requirements the operators are asking for, it has incorporated feedback from the telcos on key areas regarding the design and implementation of its 5G Radio Access Network (RAN).
“This is a continuous process between DNB, the telcos and our regulator (MCMC) with different focused working groups for technology, cybersecurity and commercial tracks.
“Further, DNB’s 5G network is compliant with the 3GPP requirements, which sets the standards for 5G networks worldwide,” it said in a statement.
In terms of security, DNB said it adopts a zero-trust approach in the design, planning, implementation, and ongoing operations.
“It is fully compliant with 3GPP security standards, the GSMA security framework for 5G, as well as MCMC’s own cybersecurity requirements. Also, DNB and the telcos are collaborating closely to strengthen the overall cybersecurity posture,” it said.
DNB clarified that a draft Reference Access Offer (RAO) for 5G wholesale services has been shared with the MCMC and the telcos in September 2021 to enable them to engage with DNB and provide feedback.
The RAO is the standard commercial and non-commercial terms on which a 5G wholesale service will be made available on a transparent and non-discriminatory basis to any licensed entity requiring access to the 5G service.
According to the statement, the RAO will form the basis for DNB to enter into definitive commercial agreements.
DNB anticipates finalising its RAO by end-November upon the MCMC’s approval.
“After this, it will be able to finalise commercial negotiations with the telcos. DNB has provided the industry with well-defined service descriptions around the provision of wholesale access for mobile broadband for 5G, also known as Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB),” it added.
This is the first of the key wholesale services that DNB will be offering to telcos, made available from December 2021 onwards.
A comprehensive eMBB service description is part of the RAO document, shared with the industry in September 2021.
“Meanwhile, DNB is continuously enhancing its 5G wholesale network based on global standards as prescribed by the 3GPP.
“This ensures that DNB’s network will be able to support 5G evolution for the provision of future services and use cases around Ultra Reliable, Low Latency Communication (URLLC) and Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC).
“Also, as part of Ericsson’s broader 5G-related commitments to Malaysia, DNB will be setting up a 5G Experiential Centre with Ericsson, to serve as hub to showcase new and exciting use cases for telcos and the broader industry to view, experience, innovate, and accelerate development on,” it added.
On the pricing of 5G wholesale services to the telcos, DNB said it is committed to 5G wholesale prices being affordable.
“This is what DNB was established to achieve. On this point, DNB on Nov 11, 2021 issued a press statement, noting the incremental or marginal cost per GB of 4G from the telcos. We are of the view that the cost per GB of 5G from DNB – which has been communicated to the telcos – is significantly lower,” it said.