Malaysia’s DNB Doubles 5G Capacity as U Mobile Exits Network

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), the first 5G wholesale network in Malaysia, is activating newly allocated spectrum in the 3.3–3.4GHz band. This is effectively doubling its network capacity as the company enters what its CEO describes as a new phase focused on enterprise digitalisation and AI applications. 

The expansion comes as U Mobile has departed the network under Malaysia's shift to a dual 5G wholesale network model.

DNB is rolling out what it calls "F-Zero" spectrum across more than 50 sites to date, with additional locations planned. 

Combined with its existing 3.4-3.5GHz holdings, DNB now controls 200MHz of contiguous mid-band spectrum, the largest allocation in Malaysia.

The enhanced capacity is intended to support growing mobile data consumption, which has doubled from approximately 19GB per user per month during the COVID-19 period to about 40GB today. DNB positions the expansion as preparation for more demanding enterprise use cases including industrial IoT, automation and mission-critical services.

“We are entering a new phase for DNB – one defined by stronger capacity, deeper collaboration, and sharper execution,” says Datuk Azman Ismail, DNB’s CEO. 

"With rising demand and new digital opportunities ahead – particularly in AI and enterprise digitalisation –  we are committed to delivering a network that not only meets today's needs, but powers Malaysia's digital future."

5G adoption hits 88%

Malaysia's 5G adoption rate has reached over 88%, representing more than 30.3 million subscriptions. DNB attributes this uptake partly to what it describes as one of the lowest wholesale costs per gigabyte globally, though specific pricing was not disclosed.

The company's shareholders – CelcomDigi, Maxis and YTL Communications – serve a combined 30 million users and have collectively committed over RM2bn (US$490m) in investments.

DNB says it carries the majority of Malaysia's 5G mobile traffic through this shared infrastructure model.

The operator continues to invest in evolution towards 5G-Advanced and AI-driven autonomous network management, aimed at improving performance and efficiency as demand scales.

U Mobile departs under policy shift

In a related development, U Mobile recently offboarded from DNB’s network, as part of the Malaysian government’s plan for the country to have two separate 5G wholesale networks. 

DNB says its network operations, coverage commitments and service delivery continue uninterrupted by the change.

Initially, the government intended DNB to be the sole 5G network operating in the country. However, in response to concerns that a single network could lead to pricing and competition issues, it announced in May 2023 that it would adopt a dual 5G network model.

U-Mobile states that since it began rolling out its 5G network in July 2025, it has more than 85% population coverage. The operator has also invested significantly in in-building coverage (IBC) in key locations like transport hubs, commercial buildings, and government facilities. So far, it has deployed more than 190 IBC sites, with plans to increase this to more than 600.

The operator states that its 5G network can provide network prioritisation for eligible users during periods of congestion, along with built-in security features. It also intends to offer more features in future that will be underpinned by its network’s 5G Standalone Access architecture.

To support the future development of its network, U Mobile has secured RM4.3bn (US$1.06bn) in syndicated financing from a consortium of local and international financial institutions.

Taking full control

Wong Heang Tuck, U Mobile’s CEO, highlights the new services and products that this move will bring.

“The completion of our transition to our own nationwide ULTRA5G network marks a defining milestone for U Mobile,” he says. 

“It gives us full control over our network, allowing us to innovate faster, elevate customer experience and introduce more differentiated products and services that meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses, be it indoors or outdoors.

“Over the past year, we have built one of the country's widest and deepest 5G networks, complemented by a rapidly expanding in-building coverage footprint to deliver a more seamless indoor and outdoor experience. 

“Together with our 5G Standalone network, this puts us in a strong position to bring more industry-leading innovations to market while continuing to raise the bar for customer experience.”