DNB focuses on next phase of 5G growth and performance enhancement

• Enhanced 5G infrastructure supports growing demand for AI, enterprise digitalisation & data-intensive applications
• 200MHz contiguous mid-band spectrum doubles network capacity & strengthens performance in high-demand areas

As Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) enters its next phase, the company is accelerating efforts to enhance network capacity, performance and future readiness, building on the strong foundation established as Malaysia’s leading 5G infrastructure provider.

In a statement, the company noted that it is currently activating its newly allocated 3.3–3.4GHz spectrum (F-Zero). Combined with its existing 3.4–3.5GHz spectrum, this brings DNB’s total contiguous mid-band spectrum to 200MHz, which the company claims is the largest in Malaysia. The expanded spectrum effectively doubles network capacity, improving efficiency and delivering a superior user experience, particularly in high-demand areas.

Importantly, the enhanced capacity positions DNB and its Access Seekers to support the next wave of enterprise digitalisation, including advanced applications in artificial intelligence, automation, industrial IoT and mission-critical services, enabling Malaysian businesses to scale innovation with confidence on a robust, high-performing 5G platform.

To date, more than 50 sites have been upgraded, with additional sites scheduled for activation. These upgrades will further strengthen network performance in high-traffic locations while supporting increasingly advanced, data-intensive use cases.

Malaysia’s mobile data consumption continues to grow rapidly, with average monthly usage increasing from approximately 19GB during the Covid-19 period to around 40GB per user today. DNB’s nationwide 5G network has played a key role in accelerating this growth, driving widespread adoption and enabling richer digital experiences. 

Today, Malaysia’s 5G adoption rate has surpassed 88%, representing more than 30.3 million 5G subscriptions. DNB has been instrumental in this progress, delivering world-class 5G connectivity at one of the lowest wholesale costs per GB globally.

With its expanded spectrum holdings and continued network enhancements, DNB is well-positioned to support the next phase of growth, particularly the scaling of enterprise use cases and AI-driven applications across industries.

“We are entering a new phase for DNB—one defined by stronger capacity, deeper collaboration and sharper execution,” said Azman Ismail, CEO of DNB.

“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.”

DNB continues to invest in advanced capabilities, including the evolution of 5G-Advanced and AI-driven autonomous network management, to enhance network performance, efficiency and reliability, while earning multiple global awards.

The company also remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of network security, resilience and integrity.

Working closely with its shareholders and partners, DNB is expanding 5G coverage nationwide in support of the Government’s ambition to build a fully connected and digitally empowered Malaysia.

DNB currently carries the vast majority of Malaysia’s 5G mobile traffic, with shareholders CelcomDigi, Maxis and YTL Communications collectively serving a user base of 30 million, reflecting strong industry support for the shared infrastructure model. Together, DNB’s shareholders have committed more than US$470 million (RM2 billion) in investments to date.

This collaborative approach enables the industry to optimise resources, improve efficiency and leverage shared strengths to deliver greater value and enhanced experiences for consumers and businesses nationwide.

In line with the Government’s transition to a dual 5G network model, DNB confirmed that U Mobile has offboarded from its 5G network, effective 30 June 2026. The move reflects the evolution of Malaysia’s 5G landscape and supports national policy aimed at fostering a resilient, competitive and future-ready digital ecosystem.

DNB’s network operations, coverage commitments and ongoing service delivery remain uninterrupted and unaffected by the transition. The company remains focused on delivering a world-class, award-winning national 5G network in close collaboration with its shareholders and industry partners.