Malaysia state-owned operator Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) has selected Ericsson for the deployment of its 5G network and ecosystem.
Under the terms of the contract, Ericsson will deploy a 5G network across Malaysia at a total cost of MYR 11 billion (approximately USD 2.65 billion), DNB, which is in charge of the project development.
DNB has already inked the deal with Ericsson (M) Sdn Bhd to accelerate the deploy the 5G network and ecosystem that is projected to create 100, 000 jobs.
The nation aims to launch 5G services by the end of 2021 in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Cyberjaya. It will also launch services in five major cities and districts in Selangor, Pulau Pinang, Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak by 2022. DNB expects to roll out services to cover 17 cities and rural areas from 2023 onwards.
The scope of work will see Ericsson undertake the design and development of the nationwide end-to-end 5G network comprising core, radio access and transport network (RAN), operation and business support systems (OSS/BSS), and managed services.
"Ericsson will also undertake capacity building and innovation programmes to support local vendor development and participation, as well as to boost 5G adoption amongst the public. This is in addition to developing use cases to accelerate industry participation," DNB said in a statement.
DNB had sought bids from eight vendors: Cisco, Ericsson, Fiberhome, Huawei, NEC, Nokia, Samsung, and ZTE. On July 01, the winner has been revealed as Sweden’s Ericsson, who has undertaken to arrange to finance the supply, delivery, and management of the entire network.
