CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) has achieved a significant milestone in its nationwide network integration and modernization (NIM) program, completing 44% of the initiative ahead of schedule as part of its three-year post-merger transformation journey. By the end of April 2024, CelcomDigi had modernized over 7,200 sites, resulting in improved download speeds of 20% to 26% and enhanced signal strength of 13% to 16% for customers in post-consolidation areas. The company is on track to surpass the 50% completion mark in four states and reach 60% in three states by the end of June, including the completion of the exercise in Penang.
The full-scale integration and modernization program, launched in June 2023, involved a committed investment of RM4 billion in capital expenditure (CAPEX) to establish Malaysia’s leading digital network, with an envisioned end state of 18,000 5G-ready sites. This network is constructed to the highest design standards, aiming to provide Malaysians with an unparalleled digital experience characterized by consistent high speeds, reliability, extensive coverage, and reduced latency, all while adhering to the latest global cybersecurity standards. It serves as the optimal infrastructure to propel Malaysian enterprises and consumers into a secure 5G-driven connected future, accelerating enterprise digitalization and innovation nationwide.
To ensure end-to-end 4G and 5G connectivity services for customers, CelcomDigi has upgraded the network with 5G-ready equipment. Presently, 86% of the company’s end-state sites are 5G-ready, with ongoing efforts to complete site upgrades in alignment with the broader nationwide integration endeavors. These modernized 5G-ready sites boast the latest radio access technology, updated transport backhaul, and power supply enhancements, which collectively enhance network coverage, capacity, and quality. CelcomDigi’s 4G LTE and 4G LTE-Advanced network footprint currently spans 96.8% and 92.1% nationwide, respectively, underscoring its commitment to delivering the widest and fastest 4G network in Malaysia.
The ongoing network modernization efforts also entail the transformation of CelcomDigi’s 5G Core Network to deliver 5.5G (5G-Advanced) functionality and services. This transformation enables the provision of new network services such as Network Slicing, crucial for mission-critical services necessitating instant, fast, and ultra-reliable communications, and Private Networks, which offer full ownership over network infrastructure and security protocols, allowing for customization and access. These network features are instrumental in driving the future of enterprise business connectivity and growth.
Commenting on this milestone, CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi emphasized that the integrated and modernized network will play a critical role in driving CelcomDigi’s aspirations to be a digital growth engine for the nation. He highlighted the network’s design, poised to seamlessly transition into a new 5G network with an 18,000-site reach, facilitating ultra-high speeds, low latency, and the opportunities of a more connected future for Malaysia. CelcomDigi is collaborating with strategic partners to trial 5.5G technologies and explore new use cases for enhanced digital experiences for Malaysian enterprises and consumers, signaling a significant development for the company and the industry at large.
CelcomDigi remains committed to supporting the Government’s 5G ambitions and is prepared to invest in building a leading 5G network for Malaysia while fostering 5G adoption and digitalization among Malaysian enterprises and consumers. Over the past year, CelcomDigi has launched multiple 5G enterprise solutions in partnership with industry leaders such as Petronas, DHL, Langkawi Ports, and Sunway Group, and is actively involved in a smart city development project with Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya. The company continues to support the digitalization of the public sector and enterprises of all sizes through its My5G series of workshops and roadshows nationwide.
