CelcomDigi has strengthened its 5G position following a series of milestones at Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), including the completion of a RM5.2 billion financing exercise, the award of a 15 year 5G spectrum allocation and progress towards the transfer of Minister of Finance (Incorporated) (MoF Inc.) shareholding to mobile network operator (MNO) shareholders.
The developments are expected to provide greater financial, spectrum and ownership certainty, creating opportunities for CelcomDigi to use its network scale and infrastructure to improve network efficiency, strengthen 5G economics and enhance services for consumers and enterprises.
DNB Financing and Spectrum Create Greater Certainty
DNB’s completed financing exercise is intended to strengthen its capital structure and financial capacity to support network priorities. Based on DNB’s current regulatory commitments and funding requirements, the financing is also expected to reduce the need for additional equity funding from MNO shareholders.
The 15 year 5G spectrum award provides longer term certainty over spectrum availability and costs, supporting network planning and investment while reinforcing CelcomDigi’s 5G position.
Key developments include:
- RM5.2 billion DNB financing exercise completed
- 15 year 5G spectrum allocation awarded
- 200MHz of contiguous mid band spectrum available
- Greater certainty for network planning and investment
The 200MHz contiguous mid band allocation is positioned to support growing consumer and enterprise demand while providing a foundation for network modernisation, indoor building solutions (IBS), broader coverage and improved spectrum utilisation. Combined with CelcomDigi’s existing network footprint, the developments could support further improvements in 5G capacity and customer experience.
CelcomDigi Prepares for Greater Role In DNB
The transfer of MoF Inc. shareholding to MNO shareholders is progressing and, once completed, would give the shareholders a greater role in jointly steering DNB’s strategic and operational priorities. This next phase could further support CelcomDigi’s 5G position through closer alignment between DNB and shareholder infrastructure.
CelcomDigi said it will bring its nationwide network assets, scale and more than 30 years of telecommunications experience to support DNB. The company plans to leverage existing infrastructure, sites and capabilities to help drive cost efficiencies, support coverage expansion and accelerate indoor 5G deployment.
The company’s support for DNB is expected to focus on several areas:
- Leveraging existing infrastructure and sites
- Driving network and cost efficiencies
- Supporting wider 5G coverage
- Accelerating indoor 5G deployment
Greater coordination between DNB and shareholder infrastructure is intended to support a more efficient and sustainable 5G network, while allowing CelcomDigi to build on its 5G position and network capabilities. The combination of stronger financing, long term spectrum certainty and the progressing ownership transition provides the framework for the next phase of DNB’s development and CelcomDigi’s 5G position.