KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 2): The communications minister will formally end the single wholesale 5G network, based on the powers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, according to a new ministerial directive sighted by The Edge.

The new directive, known as Directive No 4 of 2024, dated December 31, 2024, focuses on implementing a 5G dual network model, which will replace the previous single wholesale model.

The transition follows the evaluation of deployment plans by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), which has selected a successful applicant for the dual network model, read the direction.

The commission had, on Nov 1 last year, announced the selection of U Mobile Sdn Bhd to lead the implementation of the second 5G network. It also said U Mobile, which it selected over much bigger mobile network operators (MNOs), is allowed to collaborate with other MNOs in the implementation of the second network.

In the ministerial directive, MCMC has been instructed to proceed with implementing the dual network, subsequently revoking the previous Directive No 3 of 2021, which saw the appointment of Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) as the sole entity to deploy 5G infrastructure and network in Malaysia.

"In light of the aforesaid direction, the ministerial directive on the deployment of 5G infrastructure and Network, Directive No 3 of 2021 is hereby revoked," read the directive, signed by Minister Fahmi Fadzil.