U Mobile has achieved 90% 5G Coverage of Populated Areas (CoPA) nationwide, more than nine months ahead of its July 2027 target, marking a key milestone in the rollout of Malaysia’s Dual 5G Network.
The telco, which began deploying its ULTRA5G network in July 2025, had committed to reaching 80% CoPA within its first 12 months and 90% by July 2027. It surpassed the 80% threshold in March 2026, less than nine months after deployment began and more than three months ahead of its July 2026 target.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who officiated the milestone event alongside Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, said the achievement showed what sustained investment and collaboration can deliver, but stressed that network expansion was only the beginning.
“We are now at a stage where digital infrastructure is the fundamental basis for technological progress and the adoption of applications. The bigger task ahead is convincing industry to adopt these solutions so that businesses become more resilient, secure and productive,” Fahmi said.
He also called on mobile network operators to deepen engagement with universities and industry, including through collaboration on emerging technologies and innovation.
U Mobile chief executive officer Wong Heang Tuck said the company would now focus on strengthening the reach and quality of its network after achieving its nationwide coverage commitments.
“Achieving 90% nationwide 5G coverage more than nine months ahead of schedule reflects the determination of the entire U Mobile team and the strong collaboration of our government, regulatory, technology and infrastructure partners,” Wong said.
He added that the company’s focus would shift towards strengthening the ULTRA5G experience and helping businesses, communities and public services translate connectivity into practical applications.
U Mobile said it has surpassed 250 in-building coverage (IBC) sites nationwide after fulfilling its first-year commitment for 5G in-building coverage. It will continue expanding its indoor coverage footprint while developing initiatives around 5G-Advanced and AI-enabled solutions.
The company’s network rollout has also received recognition from independent industry assessors. Ookla named U Mobile Malaysia’s Best Mobile Network and Fastest 5G Network in 2026, while Opensignal recognised improvements in reliability, network quality, speed and 5G experience.
Earlier this year, the Malaysia Book of Records recognised U Mobile for the Fastest 5G Network Rollout in Malaysia following its achievement of more than 80% CoPA in less than nine months.
The latest milestone comes as Malaysia continues to expand its 5G infrastructure, with the government and industry increasingly focused on converting wider network availability into greater adoption of digital technologies across businesses and public services.
