KUALA LUMPUR: The final decision on the single wholesale model for the rollout of 5G network will be made in January 2022 after receiving feedback from telecommunication companies and industry players, says Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa (pic).

       The Cabinet is still discussing whether to deploy 5G via a single wholesale network (SWN) system or via multiple systems so as to allow some competition.

       However, he said as for now, Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) would continue with its plan of delivering 5G services via SWN.

       “The Cabinet is seeking a second opinion or views from industry players on the matter.

       “We will look at the advantages and disadvantages of both models,” he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a joint-venture between CS Cloud Sdn Bhd and Cloocus Co Ltd here yesterday.

       DNB was set up by the government in February to build and manage the 5G network.

       Annuar also noted that DNB was offering wholesale 5G services to all mobile network operators (MNOs) in the country starting this month at no cost.

       According to Bernama, the first phase of the offer was applicable for all 5G live sites that would be ready throughout Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and certain parts of Kuala Lumpur.

       By 2022, the rollout would focus on other populated areas including Penang, Johor Baru, Sabah and Sarawak as second phase, he added.

       The government aims to reach 80% of the populated areas of the country in three years.

       On the joint-venture between CS Cloud and Cloocus, Annuar said it would boost cooperation and business opportunities in the digital economy.

       “I hope this partnership can set an example for other companies and expanded to include other sectors.”