Page 90 - SAMENA Trends - January-February 2025

WHOLESALE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Malaysia Ends DNB’s Role as 5G Single Wholesale Network

The government of Malaysia has revoked a previous ministerial government’s intent to transition to a dual-network model. As
direction of 2021, which had designated Digital Nasional Berhad of now, all operators in Malaysia are offering 5G service via the
(DNB) as the sole entity responsible for Malaysia’s 5G deployment. state-run 5G network Digital Nasional Berhad. CelcomDigi, Maxis,
DNB was set up by the Malaysian government in 2021 as a special YTL and U Mobile currently hold stakes in DNB, each with a 16.3%
purpose vehicle to develop the country’s 5G network infrastructure, share. These four Malaysian operators had previously submitted
which private telecommunications firms are currently using to bids to build the country’s second 5G network. In November, the
offer 5G services to their customers. DNB’s 5G network was Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)
deployed by Ericsson. Under the ministerial direction, DNB was gave the approval to deploy the second 5G network to U Mobile,
to operate as a neutral, Ministry of Finance-owned entity tasked the third-largest operator in the country. U Mobile also noted that
with deploying 5G infrastructure and offering wholesale services it will also be working with DNB to ensure the quality of 5G service
nationwide. However, the revocation of this directive signals the is maintained. The operator also noted it will reduce its foreign
majority shareholding to 20%, with the main aim of “ensuring
greater Malaysian control and inviting participation from local
investors”. In May 2023, Malaysian authorities said that the country
would shift to a dual 5G network once DNB achieved 80% coverage
in populated areas, something that occurred in December 2023.
Although U Mobile was selected as the lead implementer for the
second 5G network over two months ago, the MCMC has yet to
finalize the spectrum assignment, rollout targets or operational
conditions for this network.

e& Carrier & Wholesale Strengthens Global Connectivity With Strategic

Market Expansion

e& Carrier & Wholesale (C&WSS), the international wholesale arm
of e&, is reinforcing its position as a global connectivity enabler
with a strategic expansion into high-growth regions and a renewed
focus on digital infrastructure. By strengthening its international
footprint and integrating AI-driven solutions, e& C&WS is driving
new business opportunities to scale, transform, and stay ahead
in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Nabil Baccouche, Group Chief
Carrier & Wholesale Officer, e&, said: "Our global expansion and
investments in digital infrastructure reflect our commitment to
delivering seamless, secure, and intelligent connectivity solutions.
We are not just growing our presence—we are redefining how
businesses connect across borders. With a robust ecosystem
spanning subsea networks, AI-powered platforms, and localised beyond traditional wholesale services, C&WS acts as a single
expertise, we enable our partners to scale with agility and entry point for MNOs, MVNOs, cloud providers, and enterprises
confidence in a hyperconnected world." As part of its international seeking frictionless global connectivity. By leveraging AI-powered
expansion, e& C&WSS is establishing new strategic hubs in Miami automation and localised market expertise, it enables businesses
and Johannesburg, strengthening its existing presence in London to expand rapidly, enter new markets, and monetise emerging
and Singapore. These locations serve as key gateways to some digital opportunities. This diversified strategy has successfully
of the world’s most dynamic markets, enabling e& C&WSS to expanded C&WS’s international customer base, acquiring non-
provide 20 cutting-edge services across Voice, Data, Roaming, and telco clients in sectors such as enterprise technology, hyperscalers,
Mobility Services to enterprises, telcos, and digital-first businesses. and AI-driven platforms while scaling its business with new and
This robust global infrastructure empowers businesses to scale existing telco customers. As part of e&’s broader transformation
seamlessly, supported by cutting-edge connectivity solutions strategy, the C&WS arm continues to evolve its offerings to align
and localised expertise. This expansion strengthens C&WS’s with the demands of the AI, cloud, and edge computing era. With a
support for international partners while unlocking new market specialised international workforce, deep market expertise, and an
opportunities, allowing the company to forge strategic partnerships expanding global footprint, e& C&WS is poised to accelerate digital
across the Americas and Africa, enabling businesses to establish transformation across industries, powering the future of seamless
a presence in high-growth, previously underserved regions. Going global connectivity.

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