KLANG – U Mobile Sdn Bhd (U Mobile) is expected to launch the country’s second 5G network by early next year at the latest.
Its chairman, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, said U Mobile would roll out the second 5G network without government funding or new partners, leveraging its industry experience in a bold bid to reshape Malaysia’s 5G landscape, local media reported.
He dismissed claims by some analysts that the telco would struggle to independently launch the 5G network.
“Why don’t we wait 15 to 18 months and see what resilience means? We have been offered more loans than we need. We are experienced.
“I started Digi many years ago, then U Mobile and REDtone Digital Bhd,” he told reporters during a visit to Pulau Ketam on Friday.
Previously, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said U Mobile had been selected as the country’s second 5G network provider based on a combination of factors.
According to the commission, these factors include the submitted business and technical plans, the company’s customer complaint rate and satisfaction record, as well as its performance in delivering other infrastructure initiatives.
Following the announcement, media reports speculated that U Mobile might face challenges in launching the second 5G network, potentially driving the company to consider a merger.
Commenting further, Vincent rejected the idea of new local partnerships and revealed that the company was exploring collaborations with Chinese telecommunications providers Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and ZTE Corp.
“We don’t need a new local partner. We are looking at Chinese providers, either Huawei or ZTE. They are the best when it comes to 5G technology.
“They will supply 5G equipment and provide financing. We need to allocate our own budget along with bank financing, but nothing is finalised yet,” he said.
Vincent added that he plans to list U Mobile on Bursa Malaysia by the end of 2025 and is working on an initial public offering (IPO).
“We are still raising funds… it’s too early. We hope to submit the proposal in the coming months and be listed on Bursa Malaysia by year-end,” he added. – January 17, 2025
