Celcom is part of Axiata group, which is one of the largest wireless carriers in Malaysia. The three telcos seek to explore opportunities in fibre infrastructure development. 

The fibre infrastructure rollout in Malaysia will improve 4G connectivity nationwide supporting the Malaysian government’s National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP). NFCP aims to enhance the broadband, reduce broadband prices and improve internet access. 

The MoU is also expected to explore the best deployment practices for network enhancement in a cost-effective manner. Also, the deployment will help to prevent duplication of  infrastructure building and expansion of Malaysia’s connectivity. 

The partnership between the three telcom is significant for Malaysia’s 5G deployment.  Celcom,  Digi Telecommunications and Maxis will combine their knowledge and expertise in the development of their fibre infrastructure nationwide, media reports said. The infrastructure development will include designing, building, commissioning, operating and maintaining. 

Albern Murty, CEO of Digi Telecommunications, told the media, “This MoU is an extension of our existing successful partnership with Celcom on fibre deployment, and we look forward to work with both parties to ensure we cater for better customer experience across the country.”

Recently, Celcom enabled Voice over LTE (VoLTE) on its 4G network for high-definition voice calls. This will ensure the phone remains on 4G even during a call. With that, the telco is moving closer to 5G readiness. 

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The company aims to list its share on the stock exchange by the end of 2020 and is expected to hire advisers very soon. Reportedly, U Mobile has also asked banks for proposals with regard to its IPO.

According to Wong Heang Tuck, chief executive officer at U Mobile, the telco is in the process of planning an IPO and is aiming to sell its shares on the stock exchange by the end of 2020. However, he stressed that the exact timing would depend on the prevailing market conditions.

U Mobile, which is the fourth-largest mobile operator in Malaysia, has a market share of 16 percent behind the likes of Celcom, DiGi.com, and Maxis, according to a report published by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in 2018.

Recently, U Mobile also announced that it has entered into a partnership with Ericsson to develop its 5G infrastructure in Malaysia. The partnership is expected to boost U Mobile’s plan to launch 5G services in Malaysia by 2020. According to the partnership agreement, Ericsson will also assist U Mobile roll out 5G trials next year.

During the same period, U Mobile’s ewallet GoPayz and Boost signed an agreement with UnionPay International (UPI) to offer greater and ease and convenience of payment to its customers. Now, GoPayz users will be able to carry out both domestic and international transactions with the help of the new UnionPay Virtual Card available on the app.

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Celcom and Maxis will jointly deploy 5G infrastructure in selected areas within the country.

In a statement, both Celcom and Maxis said that the collaboration will lead to cost savings and increase efficiency for both the companies. It will also help them accelerate the 5G roll out process and provide better 5G experience to its customers.

Even though they will deploy 5G infrastructure in Malaysia, both Celcom and Maxis will provide their services independently and continue to compete with each other in different market segments.

Celcom chief executive officer (CEO) Idham Nawawi told the media, “5G is the next evolution that will transform how people work, live and play. It will enable a more enhanced consumer experience, as well as create new opportunities for consumers, students, governments and businesses alike.”

He added, “Our potential collaboration will pave the way for the delivery of a world-class 5G network, on top of our existing 4G and 3G -2G networks, to every Malaysian, realising a truly digital Malaysia in the IR4.0 era.”

Maxis CEO Gokhan Ogut revealed that this is not the first time both the telco are working together. Both the telcos also share towers and fibre and are working closely to develop their services in rural Malaysia.

Last month, Maxis, which is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, reported a net profit of $85.5 million and revenue of $545 million for the third quarter of 2019. Celcom also posted a 1.9 percent year to date revenue growth for its postpaid and prepaid services for the second quarter of 2019.

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