CelcomDigi to integrate, modernise country’s largest 4G network
Published on: Thursday, June 01, 2023
By: Bernama
CelcomDigi Bhd has officially commenced its full-scale programme to integrate and modernise Malaysia’s largest 4G network with the latest long-term evolution (LTE) and 5G-ready technologies.
PETALING JAYA: CelcomDigi Bhd has officially commenced its full-scale programme to build a future digital network by integrating and modernising the largest 4G network in Malaysia with the latest long-term evolution (LTE) and 5G-ready technologies.
Group CEO Idham Nawawi said the programme includes the largest network deployment projects in the country involving a total of 18,000 sites, following the successful merger of Celcom and Digi in December 2022.
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He said the new integrated and modernised network unlocks the benefits and strengths of the merger between the two mobile network operators.
“We are excited to embark on this project for the country, to build the largest, most modern digital network using the latest mobile telecommunications technology.
“We have successfully deployed pilots in five clusters recently, namely in Sitiawan, Rawang, Bercham, Port Dickson, and Kuantan, and we are pleased to report that the upgrades were managed without any disruption to customer experience,” he said in a media briefing here today.
According to Idham, the network has been designated to transition smoothly to a future 5G network.
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The upgraded sites and expanded capacity, he said, will contribute to a more rapid and efficient network engine, equipped with advanced features that enable superior data transmission.
As a result, users can experience increased throughput and enhanced performance.
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“This is a significant development for CelcomDigi and the country, and we are excited to be leading the way to realise the potential of our shared digital future.
“When completed, the new network will offer customers a significantly elevated quality of experience across the country, improving reach from 96% to 98% of Malaysians nationwide,” he added.
Idham highlighted that as per its first quarter of financial year 2023 report, the company plans to reinvest 15% to 18% of total revenue in capital expenditure to support both existing networks and the new integrated and modernised network.
Meanwhile, commenting on CelcomDigi’s plans for the 5G network implementation, Idham noted that the company is actively discussing with the government and related industry players following Putrajaya’s decision to allow a second 5G network.
“It is up to the government to decide on the process of setting up which party is involved in entity A and entity B for the 5G deployment. In the meantime, we will continue to work with the government throughout the process.
“We look forward to the opportunity to play a more active role in this whole development of 5G in Malaysia. We do have the resources, existing infrastructure and access to the market that we can bring together for the benefit of the country,” he said.
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