PETALING JAYA: CelcomDigi Bhd expects to play a greater role in steering Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) as the national 5G network operator moves towards equal ownership among its three telco shareholders.
CelcomDigi said the completion of DNB’s RM5.2 billion financing exercise, the award of its long-term 5G spectrum allocation and progress towards the transfer of Minister of Finance (Incorporated) (MOF Inc) shares to the mobile network operator shareholders provided greater financial, spectrum and ownership certainty.
It said this would enable CelcomDigi to leverage its scale and extensive network assets to unlock network and cost synergies, improve 5G economics and deliver stronger 5G experiences for consumers and enterprises.
“CelcomDigi will bring its scale, nationwide network assets and more than 30 years of telecommunications experience to support DNB,” the company said in a statement.
It said existing infrastructure, sites and capabilities could be leveraged to drive cost efficiencies, support coverage expansion and accelerate indoor 5G deployment.
“Synergies between DNB and shareholders’ infrastructure will support a more efficient and sustainable 5G network,” it added.
Under the planned ownership transition, CelcomDigi through Infranation Sdn Bhd, Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd and YTL Power International Bhd are expected to assume equal ownership of DNB in early Q4 2026, while MOF Inc will exit as an ordinary shareholder.
MOF Inc will retain a special share in DNB to safeguard national interests, ensuring continued stewardship of key strategic matters while enabling the company to advance its next phase of development.
CelcomDigi said that upon completion of the share transfer, the telco shareholders would assume a greater role in jointly steering DNB’s strategic and operational priorities.
The company said DNB’s 15-year spectrum allocation would provide greater certainty over spectrum availability and costs, supporting more effective network planning and investment.
With 200MHz of contiguous mid-band spectrum, DNB would be well positioned to meet growing consumer and enterprise demand, while providing a foundation to modernise the network, expand indoor building solutions (IBS), enhance coverage and maximise spectrum utilisation.
CelcomDigi also said DNB’s financing was expected to reduce the need for additional equity funding from its telco shareholders, based on DNB’s current regulatory commitments and funding requirements.
DNB completed the RM5.2 billion syndicated Islamic term financing exercise on Thursday, which it said strengthened its long-term financial position and established a sustainable funding structure for its future growth.
The financing included refinancing of DNB’s Government Guarantee Revolving Credit Facility, which expired on Sept 29.
DNB CEO Datuk Azman Ismail said the financing provided the company with a sustainable platform to operate on its own, continue investing in network enhancement and capacity expansion, and leverage its expanded spectrum assets.
“This financing provides DNB with a sustainable platform to operate on its own, continue investing in network enhancement and capacity expansion, and leverage our expanded spectrum assets,” he said.
The financing coincided with the award of the full 100MHz of the 3.3–3.4GHz (F0) spectrum and the conversion of DNB’s entire 240MHz spectrum holding to a spectrum assignment.
Following its issuance by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the assignment took effect on Oct 1, providing greater regulatory certainty and strengthening DNB’s ability to support Malaysia’s evolving 5G connectivity needs.
DNB said the 240MHz spectrum block would enhance network capacity, efficiency and performance, enabling faster speeds, lower latency and improved customer experience.
It would also support the deployment of advanced technologies, including Massive MIMO, carrier aggregation, 5G Advanced and AI-driven network capabilities.
“With strong financing, enhanced spectrum resources and a proven nationwide 5G platform, DNB is well positioned to support the Government’s AI Nation aspirations and help power Malaysia’s next phase of digital growth,” said Azman.
