Malaysian telco U Mobile has chosen Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE as technology partners for its 5G network.

The decision was announced this week, as U Mobile continues to map out its plans to build the country's second 5G network.

The operator noted that it wants to provide 5G coverage to 80 percent of the population within the first 12 months of commencing its network deployment, and 90 percent coverage of populated areas in the subsequent 12 months.

U Mobile is looking to build Malaysia's second 5G network, rivaling the first built by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) under the country's previous government.

Earlier this year, U Mobile chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun outlined plans to complete the 5G network rollout by mid-2026. He noted at the time that the company would not need any additional backing from the government or new partners.

The announcement represents a win for the Chinese vendors, as Nordic rival Ericsson has supported DNB's state-owned 5G rollout.

That said, U Mobile chief technology officer Woon Ooi Yuen also stated that the company did invite other technology partners to support the rollout, but only Huawei and ZTE got in touch.

"We started this selection process last year with invitations to tender, sent out to network equipment and software provider companies from all regions. Ultimately, only two Chinese companies responded," said Woon.

"Apart from their global technology track record, they have also shared vision for an efficient and rapid rollout. U Mobile is looking forward to Huawei and ZTE playing a critical role in bringing a Next Gen 5G network that is enterprise-grade to Malaysians rapidly."

U Mobile said its 5G network will prioritize transportation hubs, medical and sports facilities, smart cities, and data centers.

The deployment will also include 5G indoor coverage in all areas of the building. Last week, U Mobile chose EdgePoint Infrastructure as its preferred 5G infrastructure partner to deploy in-building connectivity (IBC).

Competition for DNB

A second network was proposed by the government as it sought to end the duopoly held by the Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB). The government approved it last year.

Launched in 2021, DNB has seen its network heavily scrutinized by Prime Minister Ibrahim's administration over claims of transparency issues. This led Ibrahim's administration to review DNB's plan for a state-owned 5G network, with the DNB quite clear that it was to be the only 5G network in the country.

Malaysia's Ministry of Finance holds a 30 percent stake in DNB, with the rest split among four of the country's operators: Telekom Malaysia, Maxis, YTL, and CelcomDigi.

As of the end of last year, Malaysia had 18.2 million 5G service subscriptions, representing a 53.4 percent adoption rate.