Ericsson announced a 10-year 5G contract with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) to drive the nationwide deployment of 5G network in Malaysia.

DNB will provide access and services to mobile service providers and others licensed by the regulators, to enable a world-class 5G experience and make Industry 4.0 a reality in Malaysia.

“We identified Ericsson to offer the best next generation 5G technology and professional services available to suit DNB’s specific and unique requirements,” Ralph Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of DNB, said.

Ericsson is a global 5G leader with 97 5G networks operating live across 46 countries.

DNB’s partnership with Ericsson spans delivery of energy-efficient Ericsson Radio System products and solutions, including Ericsson Spectrum Sharing, a software for wide-area 5G coverage.

The scope also includes cloud-native 5G Core and 5G Radio Access (RAN). Ericsson will also manage the unique requirements of a single wholesale network with its leading Managed Services offering, Ericsson Operations Engine. The solution will enhance the performance of DNB’s network using AI, automation and cognitive software to predict and prevent issues.

DNB is tasked with helping Malaysia to achieve its digital aspirations as outlined in the government’s MyDIGITAL blueprint, which plans to transform Malaysia into a digitally driven, high income nation and a leader in digital content, cyber security and digital economy in the Southeast Asia region.

DNB also supports the modernization of the nation’s mobile networks as part of the national digital infrastructure plan, Jalinan Digital Negara (Jendela), to ensure every Malaysian has quality internet connectivity.

DNB aims to launch Malaysia’s first 5G network in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya in the initial phase. DNB targets to achieve 80 percent 5G nationwide population coverage by 2024.