Other telcos had proposed that the govt allow an additional 5G network that will run in parallel with DNB

by NURUL SUHAIDI / pic source: digital-nasional.com.my

THE government has decided to go with the single wholesale network (SWN) implementation for 5G rollout in the country, and the deployment will run as planned, says Communication and Multimedia (KKMM) Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

It had previously mandated Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), a state-owned company under the Finance Ministry for the deployment, under the SWN model approach.

Currently, only Telekom Malaysia Bhd (Unifi Mobile) and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YES) have signed up for DNB’s 5G network and fibre leasing service agreement to speed up the deployment across the country.

However, Annuar said given that some other telecommunication companies (telcos) have yet to enter into an agreement with DNB as a service provider, this might slow down the rolling out process.

Instead, he noted that other telcos had proposed that the government allow an additional 5G network that will run in parallel with DNB, making it two networks to expedite and better inclusion in the government’s 5G efforts.

Despite the criticism, he said the government is currently undergoing an intensive evaluation with telcos.

“As for DNB, since we have given the roadmap which also includes enabling 30% to 33% rollout coverage of 5G in certain locations, we hope it remains committed and any intervention should not affect the current rolling out process,” Annuar told the media after delivering his New Year message at Perdana Auditorium, Angkasapuri, in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He also assured that any decision will be collected and prioritise the public interest as well as the country’s future.

“The ministry will look into the matter and come with solutions that are unbiased.”

Nonetheless, Annuar reiterated that the reinforcement role is aligned with the national connectivity objectives and that the government will further strengthen digital connectivity this year. Meanwhile, Annuar announced that

KKMM will develop an early flood warning system for flood-prone areas.

He said KKMM will form a special natural disaster task force to monitor and disseminate urgent information as well as the level of hazard, to better prepare residents in the event of flooding or other natural disasters.

He added that all related security agencies will be invited to formulate a comprehensive strategy for this early warning system.

“The existing information relating to floods have failed to create a sense of urgency among the public and are often being spread too generally and not presented in a concise manner.

“We need precise and quick information to ensure the residents especially in flood-prone areas are aware of the possibility of flooding or natural disaster as well as improving the management system to the optimum level.”

According to him, any onward communication strategy relating to natural disasters must be targeted and specified.

This will be done with the coordination between security agencies and the Meteorology Department as well as those in charge of monitoring the river water levels in flood-prone areas.

“We will be providing a guideline with which they can form a strategy and utilise various mediums to support the mission as long as the information is obtained and disseminated effectively,” he added.

Apart from that, another strategy is also to introduce an SMS system to alert residents.