Celcom Axiata Bhd is slowly helping to phase out 3G with the implementation of JENDELA, a 4G network that it hopes to be available to all Malaysians in the country,” Afizulazha Abdullah COO (Technology) of Celcom said.
“The 3G network sunset will be implemented in 3 phases, and we are in progress as per the plan. We are currently in Phase 2, whereby the 3G network will be gradually and carefully thinned, and finally shut down by end of 2021,” says the COO.
With the imminent shutdown of 3G networks being 3 months away, Celcom Axiata Bhd is currently taking systematic steps to formalise its termination of 3G.
He says that the final Phase 3 will be the post 3G network sunset stage, involving network performance and monitoring, adding that while this is happening, operators will extend the 4G network to provide wider coverage and improve its performance.
“We shall expand our 4G network to fill any coverage gap and we are also looking at upgrading our 2G capacity to support our users. We will ensure the experience of our customers will not be compromised throughout this exercise.
Due to this massive undertaking, Celcom has also taken steps to ensure that their business customers can migrate without disrupting operations and to help them by facilitating a smooth transition.
The telecommunications operator, attest that they have conducted pilot tests at selected areas and offered various digital tools to upscale businesses digitally, for example, via cloud-based e-POS, electronic payments systems, digital marketing solutions and additional productivity tools such as tablets and Microsoft Office365 that will help these businesses adapt to the transition.
This is also been supported with consistent communication and engagement with their business customers and subscribers about Celcom’s 3G sunset efforts through various platforms such as the Celcom Life application, websites, emails, letters to corporate clients and SMS, in the hopes to keep everyone prepared.
Moving forward, as for 4G, Celcom wants to ensure that consumers will be able to experience the best digital experience with a capable 4G device.
In managing any fears of migrating due to cost issues and disruptions to systems, Afiz suggests that consumers can look into government initiatives such as the Jaringan Prihatin package offers Malaysians a variety of 4G device packages that are affordable for consumers to switch their 3G devices to a 4G smartphone.
“We urge consumers to seize this Jaringan Prihatin opportunity that was initiated by the government, which was made available July 31, as it offers subsidies up to RM300 for eligible households and RM180 for eligible individuals.”
Through the Jaringan Prihatin programme, Celcom offers the best and highest rebate value of up to RM360 for postpaid device bundles. For businesses, Celcom is also offering device subsidies and providing dedicated Helpdesk support to further smoothen the migration to 4G.
On contingency plans for those who have missed the deadline, Afiz says for a telco like Celcom, investing in expanding network coverage and optimisation is something that they do constantly and consistently.
While Celcom wants to ensure that both consumers and businesses migrate to 4G as soon as possible, they are still faced with some challenges such as reaching the most remote and rural communities, the last 2%-3%.
This involves handling harsh terrains and challenging geographical landscape for infrastructures to be deployed in remote areas requires the collaboration of the industry players, and gaining the support from the government and state governments for efficient deployment of enhanced network coverage within stipulated budget and timeframe.
“It is definitely a challenge, but not one that we can’t overcome,” he added.
The industry will face cash flow challenges as the current service revenue is saturated and will require the government’s assistance to meet JENDELA’s ambitions.
Furthermore, Celcom is pumping up on efforts to educate consumers on the benefits of 4G, adopting newer devices that can support 4G instead of relying on 3G alone and ways to enhance their digital experience and to ensure the 3G network sunset initiative will be successful. All this is done seamlessly so that customers will be able to continue using their services on available networks with minimal impact.
