CelcomDigi Berhad said it has completed 44% of its nationwide network integration and modernisation (NIM) programme, ahead of schedule in its three-year post-merger transformation journey.
The telco has modernised over 7,200 sites as at end April 2024,with improved download speeds by between 20% to 26% and better signal strength by between 13% to 16%. The company said it anticipates that by end June – one year after the start of the NIM programme – it will have passed the 50% completion mark in four states, and 60% in three states, including completing the exercise in Penang.
The company launched the full-scale integration and modernisation programme in June 2023, committing an investment of RM4 billion in capital expenditure (CAPEX) to build Malaysia’s leading digital network, with an end state of 18,000 5G-ready sites. This network is to be built on the highest design standards to provide Malaysians with a superior digital experience – consistent high speeds, reliability, widest coverage, and improved latency, while adhering to the latest global cyber security standards – the optimal infrastructure to lead Malaysian enterprises and consumers into a secure 5G-driven connected future and accelerate enterprise digitalisation and innovation in the country.’
To provide end-to-end 4G and 5G connectivity services for customers, CelcomDigi has modernised the network with 5G-ready equipment. Currently, 86% of the company’s end-state sites are 5G-ready, with the aim to complete site upgrades in line with the broader nationwide integration efforts. These modernised 5G-ready sites are equipped with the latest radio access technology, modernised transport backhaul, and power supply, which will enhance the coverage, capacity, and quality of the network. The company’s 4G LTE and 4G LTE-Advanced network footprint stands at 96.8% and 92.1% nationwide respectively, in line with its commitment to deliver the widest and fastest 4G network in Malaysia.
The network modernisation efforts also include the ongoing transformation of CelcomDigi’s 5G Core Network to deliver 5.5G (5G-Advanced) functionality and services, such as ultra-reliable and low-latency communications, massive machine-type communications, and enhanced mobile broadband. This transformation enables CelcomDigi to provide new network services such as Network Slicing, important for mission-critical services that require instant, fast and ultra-high reliability communications, and Private Networks, which are self-contained networks offering full ownership over the network infrastructure and security protocols, customisation and access. These network features are key to driving the future of enterprise business connectivity and
growth.
Speaking on the milestone, CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said that the integrated and modernised network will be a critical piece in driving CelcomDigi’s ambitions to be a digital growth engine for the nation, supporting the seamless coexistence and evolution of 4G, 5G, and future technologies. “This new network is designed to potentially transition seamlessly into a new 5G network with an 18,000-site reach – the right infrastructure to usher Malaysia into the era of
ultra-high speeds, low latency, and the opportunities of a more connected future. We are working with strategic partners to trial 5.5G technologies and new use cases for enhanced digital experiences for Malaysian enterprises and consumers. This is a significant development for us and the industry, and we are excited to lead the way to realise the potential of our shared digital future.”
