{
  "id": 11404182,
  "title": "Keep two 5G options distinct, says analyst",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/keep-two-5g-options-distinct-says-analyst",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-02T09:03:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2026/10/02/keep-two-5g-options-distinct-says-analyst/237405"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia requires clear safeguards to maintain two distinct 5G technology options, according to analyst Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani. The country's Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) needs to clarify its long-term direction to preserve this diversity while building the second network. Asrul emphasized that Malaysia's strategic flexibility hinges on ensuring the two networks don't converge around the same technology dependencies. The second network should enhance competition and capacity, while Malaysian 5G decisions should consider cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience, and compatibility with other systems. Public assurances alone are insufficient; they must be backed by clear governance, transparent procurement rules, and safeguards ensuring technological distinctiveness, commercial viability, and accessibility under any ownership, operating, or supplier changes. These insights follow a Frost & Sullivan analysis suggesting that Malaysia's dual-network model could bolster its investment appeal by allowing businesses to select technology aligned with security, procurement, and regulatory needs. Access to both Western and Eastern technology ecosystems could extend Malaysia's ability to work with various international partners, but businesses require long-term clarity about available choices and the networks' coexistence. During his September visit to China, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim indicated Malaysia's openness to Chinese digital investment and partnerships, positioning the nation as a base for reaching markets across Asia and beyond. Anwar previously linked the dual-network approach to leveraging both Western and Eastern technology in 2023, explaining the government's second network introduction. Asrul noted that investors in artificial intelligence, data centres, and cloud services need confidence in choosing network arrangements and supplier ecosystems that meet their operational and compliance requirements. Analyst Samirul Ariff Othman highlighted that while two networks offer options, credible governance is necessary to transform these choices into strategic autonomy. He cautioned against mistaking existing supplier arrangements for a permanent government guarantee of exclusive technology blocs, advocating for clear rules on supplier changes, independent assessments, customer notification, and transition arrangements.",
  "summary": "PETALING JAYA, Oct 2 — Malaysia needs clear safeguards to keep two 5G technology options distinct through changes...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}