CelcomDigi, Maxis acquire government stake in DNB
Malaysia operators CelcomDigi and Maxis increased their stakes in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), as the government sold its 41.7 per cent interest to make the 5G wholesale operator private. Each ...
Source: mobileworldlive.com · August 23, 2026 at 9:00 PM · AI-assisted report
CorroboratedKUALA LUMPUR, 24 AUGUST 2026 —
CelcomDigi, Maxis Acquire Government Stake in Malaysia’s DNB to Privatise 5G Wholesale Operator
Market Impact
Malaysia’s telecommunications giants CelcomDigi and Maxis have acquired the government’s 41.7% stake in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), the 5G wholesale network operator, to privatise the entity. The deal, announced on March 9, 2026, marks a strategic shift in Malaysia’s 5G rollout, transitioning DNB from a state-backed entity to a privately managed infrastructure provider.
The acquisition comes as CelcomDigi and Maxis, the country’s two largest mobile operators, expand their control over the 5G ecosystem. While the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the move is expected to streamline decision-making and accelerate 5G deployment across Malaysia. Industry analysts suggest the privatisation could enhance operational efficiency, though concerns remain over potential market consolidation.
DNB was established in 2021 as Malaysia’s sole 5G wholesale provider, tasked with deploying the national 5G network under a single infrastructure model. The government’s decision to divest its stake follows years of debate over the sustainability of the state-led approach. With CelcomDigi and Maxis now holding majority control, questions arise about future pricing, network access, and competition in the telecoms sector.
The privatisation aligns with Malaysia’s broader digital transformation goals, though the long-term impact on consumers and smaller operators remains unclear. Market watchers will monitor whether the deal fosters innovation or further entrenches dominance by the two major players.
Related: CelcomDigi