CelcomDigi, Maxis and YTL Each Inject RM202 Million Into DNB for 5G Infrastructure
CelcomDigi, Maxis and YTL Communications have each injected RM202 million into Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) in April 2026, bringing the total injection for this round to RM606 million (source: Lowyat.NET, 29 April 2026). The funds are allocated for 5G network operations and spectrum expenditure across Malaysia.
Why Do Malaysian Telcos Need to Inject Capital Into DNB?
DNB is a Malaysian government-owned company that operates as the country's single wholesale 5G network operator. Under this model, DNB builds and maintains 5G towers and equipment, while telecommunications companies like CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and YTL lease access to offer 5G services to their subscribers.
This capital injection is part of ongoing equity commitments after the three telcos acquired shareholding stakes in DNB. The funds ensure DNB can sustain the substantial infrastructure costs, including frequency spectrum purchases and the installation of 5G base stations nationwide.
How Much Was Invested in This Round?
Each company injected RM202 million, bringing the total to RM606 million (according to Lowyat.NET). This round of injections was made at DNB's own request as the government-owned 5G wholesaler.
Telecommunications Company | Capital Injection | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
CelcomDigi | RM202 million | 5G and spectrum costs |
Maxis | RM202 million | 5G and spectrum costs |
YTL Communications | RM202 million | 5G and spectrum costs |
How Does This Affect 5G Coverage in Malaysia?
With an additional RM606 million in funding, DNB is expected to accelerate 5G coverage expansion across Malaysia. Currently, 5G coverage is concentrated in major urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor Bahru.
For users in suburban and rural areas, this expansion means they will eventually enjoy significantly faster internet speeds for video streaming, online gaming and large file downloads. 5G speeds can reach up to 1Gbps compared to an average of 50-100Mbps for 4G LTE (according to MCMC).
What About U Mobile and Other Telcos?
Besides CelcomDigi, Maxis and YTL, U Mobile is also a DNB shareholder. However, this latest report only mentions the three companies making capital injections in the April 2026 round. Each telco has obligations to contribute capital based on their respective shareholder agreements with DNB.
FAQ
Q: Will the cost of this injection be passed on to consumers? As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding price increases for postpaid or prepaid plans due to this capital injection. 5G infrastructure costs are typically absorbed within telcos' long-term business models.
Q: How do I know if my area has 5G coverage? You can check the 5G coverage map on your telco's official website or the DNB portal. Most major urban areas are already covered as of April 2026.
Q: Do I need a special phone to use 5G? Yes, you need a phone that supports Malaysia's 5G bands (n28 and n78). Most recent flagship and mid-range phones already support 5G.
