Malaysia’s Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) has announced the commercial availability of 5G services on the 5G network deployed by Ericsson, following its selection as DNB’s 5G network equipment provider (NEP) in July 2021.
5G services will be available in parts of Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur in December 2021. Thereafter, it is planned to reach approximately 40 per cent coverage in populated areas by the end of 2022 and subsequently will be extended nationwide to cover other urban and rural areas and industrial parks, with a target of approximately 80 per cent coverage in populated areas by 2024.
In conjunction with the commencement of its service, DNB has offered its wholesale 5G services at no cost until Q1 2022 to all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that are integrated into the DNB network. Ericsson’s partnership with DNB will also contribute to the economy by partnering local contractors and hiring more Malaysians as part of Ericsson’s commitment to Malaysia. The deployment of the network will also result in the development of local skills and transfer of knowledge and expertise.
Commenting on the development, David Hägerbro, head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, said, “With its higher speed, ultra-low latency and reliability, the 5G network will ensure that DNB can deliver a leading, world class 5G network and experience for users in Malaysia. It will also help the country achieve its objectives of transforming the country into a digital economy. For 5G to be successful in Malaysia, there are key success factors that Ericsson and DNB are addressing, namely, affordability, customer experience and security. Security is one of the corner stones of Ericsson and the 5G network that we are building in Malaysia is trustworthy, resilient and secure by design from day one. To deliver the full value of 5G to Malaysia, we will also be bringing together partners across ecosystems to collaborate, innovate and incubate ideas because we believe 5G is much more than just connectivity. It’s going to be the most important platform for innovation.”
Meanwhile, Nunzio Mirtillo, head of Ericsson South East Asia, Oceania and India, said, “Ericsson is fully committed to supporting DNB for the 5G project in Malaysia because we believe in the value that it will deliver to Malaysia. We will ensure that the DNB network not only becomes a showcase of 5G experience in the region but also as a shining example of what technology innovation can offer.”
