The projects are expected to foster direct and indirect socio-economic contributions

by ASILA JALIL / pic credit: ericsson.com

ERICSSON says it is committed to meet the deployment targets set by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and supports Malaysia’s 5G network deployment via its partnership with DNB.

Its participation in the projects is expected to foster direct and indirect socio-economic contributions in areas such as job creation, partnership with Bumiputra and other local contractors and ecosystem players.

Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh David Hägerbro (picture) said Malaysia’s and DNB’s commitment to accelerating 5G rollout will speed up the adoption of 5G nationally, bridge the digital divide and transform the nation.

“5G will help to facilitate the government’s ambition to promote Malaysians to become technology creators through development of 5G applications and use cases.”

“With a 56-year legacy of contributing to Malaysia’s development, we are excited to be extending our commitment to the nation. Ericsson is confident that with our global 5G leadership and strong deployment capabilities, we will meet the deployment targets set by DNB,” he said in a statement yesterday.

DNB’s partnership with Ericsson spans delivery of energy-efficient Ericsson Radio System products and solutions including Ericsson Spectrum Sharing which is software for wide-area 5G coverage.

The scope also includes cloud-native 5G Core and 5G Radio Access Nationwide.

Ericsson will also manage the requirements of a single wholesale network with its leading managed services offering, the Ericsson Operations engine.

This solution will engage DNB’s network using artificial intelligence, automation and cognitive software to predict and prevent issues.

Ericsson’s end-to-end scope also includes operational support systems and business support systems solutions.

DNB has set to launch the country’s first 5G network in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya in the initial phase by year-end. It also set a target of 80% 5G nationwide population coverage by 2024.

“DNB is committed to delivering the best technology and innovation opportunities for Malaysians, businesses and government to ensure that Malaysia takes its place at the forefront of the global digital economy.

“We identified Ericsson to offer the best next-generation 5G technology and professional services available to suit DNB’s specific and unique requirements,” said DNB CEO Ralph Marshall.

DNB had previously told The Malaysian Reserve that it will start deploying 5G to five major cities and districts in Selangor, Penang, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak by 2022.

The design and build of the national 5G network will be undertaken by Ericsson at a total cost of RM11 billion which includes tower rental and fibre leasing.