CelcomDigi Berhad (“CelcomDigi”) marked a new milestone in its post-merger network integration and modernisation exercise, announcing today it completed upgrades in Penang and surpassed the halfway point countrywide, putting it ahead of schedule in building Malaysia’s leading digital network. Within a year, it achieved more than 50% of its targeted nationwide upgrades, in what was expected to be a 3-year exercise, proving its ability to rollout mobile network infrastructure projects fast and at scale. At the current run-rate, CelcomDigi is set to complete 75% of network upgrades by end 2024, placing the company in the prime spot to deploy Malaysia’s second 5G network.
CelcomDigi’s CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said, “We remain very committed to building and growing Malaysia’s 5G ecosystem, both on the infrastructure and applications layer. By end 2024, more than two-thirds of our network will be modernised making it the largest, most modern digital network in the country. This 5G-ready network is primed to enable fast deployment of 5G and 5G-Advanced technology across our wide footprint and is ready to be commissioned as one of the largest standalone 5G networks in the region.”
“Looking towards Malaysia’s future, we are forging ahead to accelerate a 5G-AI powered digital nation and believe the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX) will be the epicenter to fuel this ambition. The AiX is supported by an extensive ecosystem of over 40 global tech players and local partners, and together we have invested RM55 million in this state-of-the-art facility to stimulate rapid innovation of 5G and AI solutions. Presently, 13 out of 45 showcased solutions are in live pilots with our enterprise customers showing great promise for adoption. These efforts demonstrate the strong foundation we have established to facilitate a fast and efficient deployment of Malaysia’s second 5G network, positioning us as the best choice for rollout and an enabler of the nation’s transformation into an 5G-AI-powered digital society.”
Strong foundation for fast and efficient deployment of Malaysia’s second 5G network
CelcomDigi operates the widest 4G LTE and 4G LTE-A network in the country, covering 97% of populated areas nationwide, outpacing other mobile network operators’ site count by at least 50%. The company has modernised all components of its network, namely RAN, core, and transport, with 5G-ready equipment, with over 90% of its network sites now 5G-ready. Its ongoing integration and modernisation exercise provides the company with the ability to synergise its 4G upgrades and 5G activation efforts in a single visit, posing the most affordable, efficient and expedient manner to rollout a 5G network for the country.
Additionally, CelcomDigi has long-term partnerships with over 100 tower and state back companies in both the Peninsula and East Malaysia, such as EDOTCO, Edgepoint Towers Sdn Bhd, SACOFA Sdn Bhd, to name a few. These win-win collaborations were reinforced post-merger and emphasises the solid partnership ecosystem, with an extensive network tower footprint, capable of deploying new and upgrading existing sites at speed to build a world-class second 5G network for the nation.
Complementing 5G network rollout with growing 5G adoption and rapid 5G solutions innovation
In addition to launching its state-of-the-art CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX) last week to accelerate the development of 5G-AI solutions, CelcomDigi also continues to drive 5G leadership by streamlining its product portfolios to offer a complete suite of new CelcomDigi Postpaid 5G, Prepaid 5G, and Home & Fibre products. These attractive offers are anchored on best-value 4G/5G plans and converged packages, allowing the company to deliver to Malaysians’ growing need for affordable, ultra-fast internet. Customer confidence in these attractive offers have resulted in the growing traction of 5G services, indicating promising opportunities for 5G adoption in the future.
Deep focus on delivering improved network experience for customers post-consolidation
To deliver the best network experience for consumers and businesses in Malaysia, CelcomDigi has deployed specialised teams of network engineers, known as Skuad 5G, tasked to hard test its network nationwide to ensure service levels match its desired ambitions for quality and experience for customers. Skuad 5G efforts are implemented in addition to existing post-consolidation network optimisation and ongoing network monitoring activities. The company and its management intend to continue close monitoring of its network performance as part of its strong commitment to deliver a high-quality, consistent network experience for all Malaysians.
Penangites now enjoy improved service experiences across the state, most notably in signal strength and network throughput, where CelcomDigi’s 4G LTE and 4G LTE-A coverage serves close 99% and 98% of the states’ populated areas respectively. Network integration and modernisation works are also progressing well across the rest of the Northern region, passing 50% of the company’s targeted deployment in Perak, Kedah and Perlis, which will complete by 2025.
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