CelcomDigi Berhad ("CelcomDigi") has achieved a significant milestone in its post-merger network integration and modernisation exercise. The company announced today that it has completed upgrades in Penang and surpassed the halfway point nationwide, putting it ahead of schedule in building Malaysia's leading digital network. Within a year, CelcomDigi achieved more than 50% of its targeted nationwide upgrades, a task initially expected to take three years. This accomplishment demonstrates CelcomDigi's ability to rollout mobile network infrastructure projects rapidly and at scale. At the current pace, CelcomDigi is on track to complete 75% of network upgrades by the end of 2024, positioning the company to deploy Malaysia's second 5G network.
CelcomDigi's CEO, Datuk Idham Nawawi, stated, "We remain very committed to building and growing Malaysia's 5G ecosystem, both on the infrastructure and applications layer. By end 2024, more than two-thirds of our network will be modernised, making it the largest, most modern digital network in the country. This 5G-ready network is primed to enable fast deployment of 5G and 5G-Advanced technology across our wide footprint and is ready to be commissioned as one of the largest standalone 5G networks in the region."
Looking towards Malaysia's future, CelcomDigi is advancing efforts to accelerate a 5G-AI powered digital nation. The CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX) is poised to be the epicentre of this ambition, supported by an extensive ecosystem of over 40 global tech players and local partners. The company has invested RM55 million in this state-of-the-art facility to stimulate rapid innovation of 5G and AI solutions. Currently, 13 out of 45 showcased solutions are in live pilots with enterprise customers, showing great promise for adoption. These efforts lay a strong foundation for the fast and efficient deployment of Malaysia's second 5G network, positioning CelcomDigi as the best choice for rollout and an enabler of the nation's transformation into a 5G-AI-powered digital society.
Strong Foundation for Fast and Efficient Deployment
CelcomDigi operates the widest 4G LTE and 4G LTE-A network in the country, covering 97% of populated areas nationwide. This network outpaces other mobile network operators' site counts by at least 50%. The company has modernised all components of its network, including RAN, core, and transport, with 5G-ready equipment, making over 90% of its network sites 5G-ready. The ongoing integration and modernisation exercise allows CelcomDigi to synergise its 4G upgrades and 5G activation efforts in a single visit, providing an affordable, efficient, and expedient manner to rollout a 5G network for the country.
Additionally, CelcomDigi has established long-term partnerships with over 100 tower and state-backed companies in both Peninsular and East Malaysia, including EDOTCO, Edgepoint Towers Sdn Bhd, and SACOFA Sdn Bhd. These collaborations, reinforced post-merger, emphasise a solid partnership ecosystem with an extensive network tower footprint, capable of deploying new and upgrading existing sites at speed to build a world-class second 5G network for the nation.
Complementing 5G Network Rollout with Growing 5G Adoption
In addition to launching the state-of-the-art CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX) to accelerate the development of 5G-AI solutions, CelcomDigi continues to drive 5G leadership by streamlining its product portfolios. The company offers a complete suite of new CelcomDigi Postpaid 5G, Prepaid 5G, and Home & Fibre products. These attractive offers are anchored on best-value 4G/5G plans and converged packages, meeting Malaysians' growing need for affordable, ultra-fast internet. The growing traction of 5G services among customers indicates promising opportunities for 5G adoption in the future.
Focus on Improved Network Experience Post-Consolidation
To deliver the best network experience for consumers and businesses in Malaysia, CelcomDigi has deployed specialised teams of network engineers, known as Skuad 5G, to rigorously test its network nationwide. This ensures that service levels match the company's ambitions for quality and experience for customers. The efforts of Skuad 5G are implemented in addition to existing post-consolidation network optimisation and ongoing network monitoring activities. The company and its management intend to continue close monitoring of network performance, demonstrating a strong commitment to delivering a high-quality, consistent network experience for all Malaysians.
Penangites now enjoy improved service experiences across the state, notably in signal strength and network throughput. CelcomDigi's 4G LTE and 4G LTE-A coverage serves close to 99% and 98% of the state's populated areas, respectively. Network integration and modernisation works are also progressing well across the rest of the Northern region, having passed 50% of the company's targeted deployment in Perak, Kedah, and Perlis, which will be completed by 2025.