KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will regulate and monitor Digital Nasional Bhd's (DNB) function as the Special Purpose Vehicle to deploy 5G infrastructure and network nationwide.
In a statement today, the MCMC Corporate Communications Department said DNB would be licensed to operate under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998).
"As such, DNB would be subjected to regulatory oversight of MCMC, just like any other licensee in the communications and multimedia industry, notwithstanding the fact that the entity is wholly owned by the government.
"MCMC will regulate and monitor DNB via the relevant regulatory tools under the CMA 1998, to ensure, amongst others, optimum use of spectrum and that all telecommunications service providers will have open, fair and equal access in obtaining wholesale 5G network services for the development of retail services based on 5G technology," read the statement.
The DNB, it said, would play a vital role in narrowing the country's digital gap as it will allow existing telecommunications companies to stay focused on delivering the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative.
"The objective of making Malaysia a digitalised nation as with the announcement of MyDigital recently, will require a robust, resilient and speedy effort by all parties whilst adhering to the right governance and regulations.
"By removing the need for existing telecommunications companies to invest in 5G networks, their efforts and resources can continue to be focused on improving and expanding 4G services and fibre networks under Jendela so crucial for the success of 5G deployment," it said.
MCMC said the DNB would act as a wholesale neutral party that enabled other licensed telecommunication companies to focus on the latest technologies to develop innovative retail services as service offerings to consumers, enterprises and even the government.
"The manner in which the wholesale services are offered by DNB will also be closely monitored by MCMC under the provisions of the CMA 1998.
"The speed and cost savings of the 5G deployment can be passed on to benefit the end users.
"In overseeing DNB, MCMC will remain focused on ensuring improved quality and expanded coverage of digital connectivity, and to facilitate new economic growth for the country through the opportunities that 5G will bring about," it said.