Government Urged to Be More Open on U Mobile’s 5G Network Appointment
PETALING JAYA: The government has been urged to be more transparent about the appointment of U Mobile to operate Malaysia’s second 5G wireless telecommunications network.
Internet veteran Mohamed Awang Lah said there was only sketchy information on U Mobile’s selection. "I hope the details on the conditions and key performance indicators of the second operator will be made public," he said.
Mohamed Awang Lah, former chief executive of Jaring, Malaysia’s first internet provider, expressed concerns over the government’s statement that U Mobile "is allowed" to work with other mobile network operators. "Does that mean U Mobile can operate alone?" he asked.
U Mobile’s Appointment Raises Questions
U Mobile, a private company whose chairman is billionaire tycoon Vincent Tan, was named on November 1 as the operator of Malaysia’s second 5G wireless network. The company was not the front-runner for the second network, with Maxis and CelcomDigi considered as the top contenders.
Licensing Requirements and Competition
Julian Gorman, the Asia-Pacific head of the UK-based GSM association, emphasized the need for clear licensing requirements to ensure a balanced distribution of 5G services. "The specific benefits (for service providers) will depend largely on the terms of U Mobile’s licence, which have not yet been fully disclosed," he said.
Gorman also highlighted the potential for increased competition, which could lead to lower prices and wider accessibility of 5G services. "The primary focus should be on stimulating 5G innovation and transformation to support Malaysia’s digital ambitions," he said.
Criticism and Controversy
The decision to establish a second 5G network has been criticized over potential conflicts of interest, anti-competitive behavior, wastage of billions of taxpayers’ money, and concerns over the digital divide between urban and rural areas, decline in 5G service quality, and higher prices for consumers.
Conclusion
The appointment of U Mobile as the operator of Malaysia’s second 5G wireless network raises several questions and concerns. The government should be more transparent about the selection process and the terms of U Mobile’s licence. The industry experts agree that clear licensing requirements and a balanced distribution of 5G services are crucial to ensure a fair and competitive market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the second 5G network?
A: The second 5G network aims to provide an alternative to the existing 5G network and stimulate competition in the market.
Q: Why was U Mobile selected for the second 5G network?
A: The government has not disclosed the full details of the selection process, but it is believed that U Mobile was chosen due to its financial capabilities and technical expertise.
Q: What are the concerns surrounding the second 5G network?
A: The decision has been criticized over potential conflicts of interest, anti-competitive behavior, wastage of taxpayers’ money, and concerns over the digital divide between urban and rural areas, decline in 5G service quality, and higher prices for consumers.