en.Wedoany.com Reported - Malaysia's first 5G wholesale network, Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), is activating newly allocated spectrum in the 3.3-3.4GHz band. This move doubles the company's network capacity, ushering in a new phase that its CEO says focuses on enterprise digitalization and AI applications.
This capacity expansion comes as U Mobile exits the network due to Malaysia's shift to a dual 5G wholesale network model. DNB has deployed its "F-Zero" spectrum at over 50 sites and plans to increase deployment locations. Combined with existing 3.4-3.5GHz band resources, DNB now controls 200MHz of continuous mid-band spectrum, the largest allocation in Malaysia.
The enhanced network capacity is designed to support growing mobile data consumption. During the pandemic, Malaysia's average monthly data usage per user was around 19GB; this figure has now doubled to approximately 40GB. DNB views this expansion as a response to increased demand for enterprise-grade applications, including industrial IoT, automation, and mission-critical services.
"We are entering a new phase for DNB—one characterized by greater capacity, deeper collaboration, and more precise execution," said DNB CEO Datuk Azman Ismail. He added that as demand grows and new digital opportunities emerge, particularly in AI and enterprise digitalization, the company is committed to delivering a network that not only meets current needs but also empowers Malaysia's digital future.
Malaysia's 5G adoption rate has exceeded 88%, representing over 30.3 million users. DNB attributes this penetration rate partly to its globally lowest wholesale cost per GB, though specific pricing is undisclosed. Its shareholders—CelcomDigi, Maxis, and YTL Communications—collectively serve 30 million users and have committed over RM2 billion (USD 490 million) in investments. DNB states that through its shared infrastructure model, it carries the majority of Malaysia's 5G mobile traffic. The operator continues to invest in evolving toward 5G-Advanced and AI-driven autonomous network management, aiming to enhance performance and efficiency as demand scales.
U Mobile recently went offline from DNB's network as part of the Malaysian government's plan to establish two independent 5G wholesale networks. DNB stated that its network operations, coverage commitments, and service delivery remain unaffected by this change. Initially, the government planned for DNB to be the country's sole 5G network operator. Due to concerns that a single network could lead to pricing and competition issues, the Malaysian government announced in May 2023 that it would adopt a dual 5G network model.
U Mobile stated that since launching its 5G network in July 2025, its population coverage has exceeded 85%. The operator has invested in indoor coverage at key locations such as transportation hubs, commercial buildings, and government facilities, deploying over 190 IBC sites to date, with plans to increase this to over 600. The operator claims its 5G network offers network priority and built-in security features for eligible users during congestion, with plans to offer more features in the future, supported by a 5G standalone architecture. To support the network's future development, U Mobile has secured RM4.3 billion (USD 1.06 billion) in syndicated financing from a consortium of local and international financial institutions.
U Mobile CEO Wong Heang Tuck emphasized the new services and products resulting from this move. He stated that completing the transition to a nationwide ULTRA5G network is a defining milestone for U Mobile. This gives the company full control over its own network, enabling faster innovation, enhanced customer experience, and the launch of more differentiated products and services to meet the evolving needs of consumers and enterprises. Over the past year, the company has built one of the most extensive and deepest 5G networks in the country, supported by a rapidly expanding indoor coverage footprint to deliver a more seamless experience. Combined with the 5G standalone network, the company is well-positioned to bring more industry-leading innovations to market while continuing to raise the standard of customer experience.
