I agree with you on that, its mind boggling to know that DNB is still rolling out as NSA when they can just go directly to SA and get advantage of low band for 5G.
Edit: @tropik explain how DNB implement the MOCN clearly.
---
Just for clarification, when I'm comparing the speed, the context is 4G vs 4G or 5G vs 5G. Not 4G vs 5G to be precise.

Like on the data below, we can see how big the gap is between Malaysia 4G and top 4 country 4G speed.

Its not like Malaysia get cheaper 4G internet while having slow 4G speed. I literally can find faster (in context of global 5G speed ranking) and cheaper 5G plan and still doesn't get punish with coverage or speed limit because all 5G in Malaysia is the same.



This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 18 2024, 02:19 AM

Maxis mulling U Mobile buyout, Bloomberg reports

(July 16): Maxis Bhd (KL:MAXIS), a Malaysian telecommunications firm controlled by billionaire T Ananda Krishnan, is considering buying out U Mobile Sdn Bhd to help it expand in the Asian country, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Kuala Lumpur-listed Maxis has expressed interest in U Mobile and talks are at an early stage, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private information.

Malaysian businessman Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun and Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd-backed Singapore Technologies Telemedia Pte Ltd are among U Mobile’s major shareholders.

Pricing could be a hurdle to a potential buyout, with U Mobile’s owners seeking a valuation of more than RM10 billion, according to the people. There’s no guarantee that a deal will be reached, they said.

In a message to Bloomberg News on Monday, Tan said U Mobile was rejecting the buyout offer and planning to file for an initial public offering (IPO) at the end of July. U Mobile has been considering an IPO since 2021.

“We are rejecting Maxis' offer,” Tan wrote in response to a query from Bloomberg. “We are submitting for an IPO at the end of this month.”

A representative for U Mobile said the company wouldn’t comment on market speculation. “We are very focused on delivering more innovative 5G products and services to our customers, and doing the prep work required to respond to the Applicant Information Package issued by Malaysia’s government to participate in the tender for building the nation’s second 5G network,” she said.

Representatives for Maxis and ST Telemedia declined to comment.

Founded in 2006, U Mobile is Malaysia’s youngest telecom company, according to its website. It has more than 4,000 4G websites and a network ready for 5G, the website shows. It also offers services including fintech and digital payments. Last month, it signed an agreement for an undisclosed equity stake in state-owned Digital Nasional Bhd, which is building 5G infrastructure in the country.

Maxis shares have fallen 9.4% this year, giving it a market value of RM27.3 billion. The company has over 13 million customers and a fibre network of more than 22,000km, according to its annual report.

Ironically, I already highlight the potential "merging" situation in Malaysia telco industry on previous post.

But the same thing also sound good on paper for the telco "competitions" I even show the data not hearsay about how slow Malaysia 4G is in context of others 4G speed on other country.

Can you tell me what innovation that telco do in 4G days other than coverage? Like that is the only "innovation" the telco can think of and then rip Malaysian money off because they have better coverage while the Malaysian until now still have broken congested 4G services 10 years later?

Im a person of facts and the facts is DNB has proven their worthy in only just 3 years.

What data should I see or believe that Malaysia telco is competent in the" competitions"? Because like I said before, I literally can find cheaper 5G plan with unlimited speed and FUP than 4G.

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 16 2024, 08:14 PM

To make it a bit fair, I will show the data of 3 years after 4G rollout in Malaysia.

After 3 years of 4G existence in Malaysia, the median speed is only 7.93 Mbps. The lowest median speed in the top 10 ranking for 4G is Sweeden 19.89Mbps.

https://www.opensignal.com/reports/2016/08/...-mobile-network

After 4 years of 4G existence in Malaysia, our median 4G speed only reach 14.35Mbps which is still very far from the lowest top 10 speed which is Australia 33Mbps.

https://www.opensignal.com/reports/2017/06/state-of-lte

While DNB in just 2 years manage to bring Malaysia to the top of the world which the telco never manage to reach until now.

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 16 2024, 10:06 PM

You said 5G only good on paper but isn't the article from Opensignal I shown also used the same destination for both 4G and 5G.

If 4G test using local destination while 5G on other locations how is that fair? Are you trying to say that if 4G speed using local server is slow, the international is much slower as well?

Also why do I need to wait 2 years to make it fair when the comparison is about Malaysia "competitive" vs "monopoly" network.

Malaysia "competitive" 4G network until now still can't reach the top 10 speed of the fastest 4G network in the world. But DNB 5G "monopoly" has already in the top 5 of the fastest 5G speed in the world.


https://www.lowyat.net/2022/266106/malaysia...load-speed-sea/

If 5G is only good on paper, what is your explanation for Malaysia "good" 4G network? This article is literally in 2022 which mean 5G already release yet where is the "competitions" benefits of 4G networks other than bringing shame to Malaysia?

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 16 2024, 10:31 PM

You argue that we will never found out yet the data from Opensignal already show you the answer.

You said if 4G is SWN, it will be worse, but again, where is the data that said Malaysia has one of the fast 4G network in the world?

Yet the worse 5G "monopoly" easily in the top 5 of 5G speed global ranking.

But the "competitions" you said mean the killing of small telco networks while keeping the duopoly which doesn't improve our experience or improve the price of the 4G plan itself.

Even @tropik is aware of this problem, cellular infrastructure is not like the typical product in supermarket where the more option is better. The network need to be activated at all times and if there is no customer, no MNOs will survive to maintain it.

With CelcomDigi already merging and with rumors of Maxis - Umobile merging, do you think the theory of "competitions" work in cellular industry? The merging doesn't stop in Malaysia, it is happening around the world.

Telco is struggling to maintain the network and the "competitions" you been talking about will be gone sooner or later eventually. Malaysia goverment is literally being proactive by helping telco survive because the telco themselves will be bleeding money to death just trying to invest in 5G infrastructure. This is not even my word, but from the expert itself.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malays...-berhad-4271661

If you think private telco duopoly is good enough for "competitions", you can ask Thailand people themselves.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40036133

5G NSA (Option 3x) is chosen also because eMBB is what the majority of of the consumer gonna get. The 5G core which is cloud dependent solution is also still a new concept in cellular infrastructure and not matured yet.
While URLCC and mMTC still has unknown real world usage and no MNO in the world know how to take advantages of it.

Telco will "duke" out 5G yet 4G fail the rural people so much that goverment literally need to create JENDELA just to push telco for coverage? What about the congestion? 4G has been in the decade yet call problem and congestion still happening. Is this the result of "competition"?

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 17 2024, 01:35 PM

In what country that you get better value price when there is less MNOs option?

Having affordable price is wrong now?

All that extra money will go towards the shareholder. The MNOs couldn't care less about improving their services.

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 17 2024, 11:37 PM

I wish I have insider info but sadly im not. This info is posted by MCMC themselves on Twitter.
https://x.com/MCMC_RASMI/status/1811249860303339563

It seems you are absolutely correct about the NSA implementation. It is even mentioned by Ericsson themselves that DNB is a multi core network which means the MNOs themselves that is preventing DNB from being fully 5G standalone.


https://www.ericsson.com/en/cases/2024/digi...ased-operations


This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 18 2024, 02:11 AM

Goverment intervention so bad that only in Malaysia:

The minister give answer behalf of the MNOs.


https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/202...lidation/114337

Goverment need to to JENDELA just to improve MNOs coverage:

https://myjendela.my/en-GB/FAQ-and-Glossary...Control%20Order.

Maybe you are right, goverment doesn't need to do anything. Let just the MNOs do their thing. Who give a damm about 10% of the population doesn't get any coverage. Only the MNOs care about people, goverment only just block the MNOs from profits helping the people.

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 20 2024, 12:01 PM

But then if the issue is cost with the service. Why the MNOs doesn't have any problem with TM HSSB, why the MNOs doesn't complain about TM being monopoly? For fibre, literally every MNOs have the same fibre price yet with DNB, suddenly a massive gap of price shown between MNOs?

If the issue is the cost of 3rd party. Why decades later, our 4G "Unlimited" plan still stuck on 6Mbps when using their own 4G network infrastructure, because even in the land of capitalism, I still can see unlimited plan.

Yet Malaysia competitive network only brings Malaysia RM60-200 of limited FUP plan?

So who is getting the benefits? The customer or the shareholder because either way, I don't see the part of Malaysian people getting the benefits of better plan pricing.
https://www.bestphoneplans.net/plans/verizo...imited-ultimate



If MOCN is the problem, why the MNOs doesn't have problem doing MOCN with each other? Suddenly with DNB they have problems? With MOCN, the MNOs will have "ports" problem like you said right?

I agree with you with this.

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 20 2024, 10:36 PM

CelcomDigi CEO cannot explain that process himself? Why does the minister speak on behalf of the MNOs? Does he work for the rakyat or MNOs?

Goverment intervention is only good when it's benefits the MNOs, but if it's doesn't, suddenly it's bad?

Where did Fahmi get the info from if it's not from the CEO of CelcomDigi instead?

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 20 2024, 10:34 PM

Ironically even Thailand people struggle with 5G duopoly. People just need to realize that 5G investment is not the same like 4G. It is more extreme and all the merger happening doesn't benefits the customers at all unless you are the CEO of the company itself.

Either way, I'm still gonna hold some of the people here voices that said that with DWN, we will get "cheaper" AND "better" performance 5G than DNB. If later what happen is otherwise, I hope you have a response ready.


https://x.com/kln_nurv/status/1816731043367706916

But isn't that because Astro control the whole "ecosystem"?

I don't think DNB is competing with telco like how TM provide HSSB, DNB literally provide the services and it's up to the MNOs on how they want to innovate in the technology.

Umobile and Yes has proven that they can offer affordable 5G pricing using the same services that all Malaysia MNOs use. So why Malaysian doesn't switch network and instead being loyal to one MNO and then complain why the MNO doesn't care about their complain?

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 28 2024, 01:49 PM

Second network will make 5G more expensive, says economist

PETALING JAYA: Setting up a second 5G network will increase capital expenditure due to redundant infrastructure, says an economist.

Goh Lim Thye of Universiti Malaya estimated that setting up the network would cost billions which would ultimately be borne by consumers.

“Estimates suggest that deploying a nationwide 5G network can cost between RM7-10 billion. For example, Telekom Malaysia ™ reported that its 5G rollout plan would cost around RM7.5 billion.

Duplicating this investment is likely to result in higher cumulative costs, straining the financial resources of companies involved and potentially leading to increased prices for consumers as these costs are passed on, he said.

Internet veteran Mohamed Awang Lah suggested an infrastructure-sharing arrangement to avoid redundancy and increased costs for consumers.

Mohamed said if the government proceeds with the dual network model, the second network should cover the remaining 20% not covered by DNB.

"If you want the phone companies to build their own infrastructure, you double the infrastructure costs unnecessarily, said Mohamed, former chief executive of Jaring, Malaysia’s first internet provider.

Share the infrastructure. The second operator should have access to the first operator’s infrastructure. Whether it is rural or urban, it doesn’t matter. When the infrastructure is built in the rural areas both parties can share the infrastructure, he told FMT.

Consumer advocate T Saravanan of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations called for a strategic pause in the 5G rollout to reassess financial implications and reduce redundancies.

He said the pause would ensure that infrastructure investments are aligned with national interests and economic stability.

It facilitates better coordination between different stakeholders, including the government, network providers, and consumer groups, ensuring that the rollout meets the needs of all consumers equitably, he said.

The federal government has begun moves for a second 5G network operated by private telecommunications companies after having set up government-owned Digital Nasional Bhd in 2021 as the wholesaler of 5G services.

After complaints that DNB’s monopoly would stifle competition, the government agreed to allow a second network by the phone companies, after DNB achieves 80% coverage. The government also agreed to sell 70% of its stake in DNB to the mobile network operators.

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the new entity would aim to reach 80% coverage within about two years.

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 29 2024, 11:50 AM

Based on this response, Umobile seems to have the best balance between coverage and affordability, so what is Malaysian problem in not switching?

What is the point of having the biggest coverage when it is useless when we needed them the most?

Also, isn't it ironic that MNOs can subscribe to CelcomDigi 2G network as MOCN yet there is no problem? I thought CelcomDigi monopolize the 2G must be bad in theory right yet it seems a couple decades later, the MNOs seems fine?

What makes CelcomDigi 2G MOCN difference from DNB 5G MOCN?

I mean, during earlier 2G and 4G implementation, I'm sure the indoor coverage is bad as well but that is because it still new, decades later, 5G will follow suit as well like how 3G and 4G have deep coverage indoor inside currently.

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 29 2024, 12:10 PM

Dual 5G network could become profit-driven duopoly, economist warns
Goh Lim Thye of Universiti Malaya says it could result in a return to slower services at higher prices.

PETALING JAYA: The switch from a government-led 5G monopoly to a dual network model may result in the creation of a profit-driven duopoly, disadvantaging consumers, says an economist.

Goh Lim Thye from Universiti Malaya said to ensure the viability of both networks, Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) would have to build additional infrastructure to enable spectrum-sharing and maintain the 100 Mbps speed requirement.

This would require substantial investment, leading to financial strain, he said.

“To cover these costs, telcos might raise prices. For instance, countries with duopolistic telecom markets, like Australia, have seen higher prices compared to more competitive markets.

"Financial viability concerns could also lead to compromises in service quality and technological advancements, he told FMT.

In 2021, Malaysia planned for DNB, a state-owned agency, to control the entire 5G spectrum, with various carriers using the infrastructure for mobile services. However, DNB came under scrutiny due to its monopoly over the spectrum, with critics arguing it would stifle competition and innovation.

Last year, communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil announced Malaysia would transition from the current single wholesale network (SWN) model to a dual network model.

At the time, Fahmi said the switch would foster healthy competition and ensure good quality and affordable 5G services for the public.

Duopoly

However, Goh said the resultant duopoly – in which the market is controlled by two players – may see a replication of issues which arose from the previous telco oligopoly which existed, including higher prices and lower service quality.

An oligopoly arises when a market is controlled by a small number of players.

Goh said oligopolies allow companies to collude tacitly to restrict output, fix prices or keep prices high without direct coordination to achieve higher-than-normal profits.

He added the country’s larger telcos are already able to generate high profits due to economies of scale, reducing their per-unit costs and increasing profit margins.

By also providing premium services and leveraging brand loyalty, they maintain high average revenue per user (ARPU), Goh told FMT.

He said these strategies have made the telco business extremely profitable.

In 2023, Maxis reported an Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) margin of 27.5%. Celcom’s EBIT margin in 2023 was approximately 25.8%. Digi reported an EBIT margin of 30.2% in 2023, Goh said.

He said the existence of an oligopoly, however, disadvantaged consumers who tend to pay high prices but are often faced with slower services.

Goh pointed to a Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) report which found that the average broadband price in Malaysia was in the region of RM100 per month, but with broadband speeds lagging behind regional counterparts such as Singapore and South Korea.

Anti-competitive

Meanwhile, T Saravanan, CEO of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), expressed concerns that the duopoly could also be anti-competitive.

Insider knowledge due to representatives from the second network developer being on the board of DNB could lead to conflicts of interest, where decisions may benefit network providers over consumers."

Previously, Putrajaya required all telcos vying to develop the second network to acquire a stake in DNB.

Following that, CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and YTL Communications announced they had met the conditions set out in a share subscription agreement, allowing them to collectively acquire a 70% stake in DNB.

In June, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal criticised the move, saying it could give rise to a conflict of interests. He called for Putrajaya to halt plans for the second 5G network.

Earlier this month, Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan expressed similar reservations about the plan.

Two weeks ago, former science, technology, and innovation minister Khairy Jamaluddin warned that introducing a second 5G network could lead to DNB’s failure.

He said reports suggested that the allocation of unused equipment to the second network may result in DNB writing off assets worth RM900 million.

Goh cautioned that the rollout of the second network could result in DNB’s failure due to unfair competition, with potential losses ultimately borne by the public.

He called for enhanced regulation and stricter oversight to prevent anti-competitive practices.

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Jul 31 2024, 10:27 PM

5G Standalone transition depend on MNOs itself to provide the core. In MOCN, the telco share spectrum and hardware but the core itself is independent.

Which mean DNB can literally activate 5G standalone if the MNOs already ready with their 5G core.



For the coverage itself, that is quite an optimistic view in my opinion. For references, TM HSBB has existed more than the decades. Other alternatives such as Time and TNB fibre line still very slow to expand.

If like fibre expansion is how the MNOs gonna roll out the 2nd network 5G. It gonna take a really long time to reach that 67% coverage.

This post has been edited by OfficiallyAhmad: Aug 1 2024, 04:48 PM