CelcomDigi Berhad recently announced a partnership with Huawei Technologies Sdn Bhd and ZTE Corporation Sdn Bhd for the purchase of network services, solutions and equipment for its nationwide network integration and modernisation project.
The company recently commenced its full-scale programme to build Malaysia’s future digital network to integrate and modernise the largest 4G network in Malaysia with the latest LTE and 5G-ready technologies.
According to CelcomDigi, this marks one of the largest telecommunications network deployment projects in the country and follows the merger of both telcos back in December 2022.
They said that the exercise will entail upgrades and site consolidation of almost 25,000 existing Celcom and Digi sites nationwide.
To make it happen, they will deploy close to 800 engineers consisting of both skilled local engineers and R&D resources, and more than 250 specialised contractor teams for nationwide installation works.
better equipment, better services for customers
CelcomDigi will modernise its nationwide Radio Access Network (RAN) with the latest technologies and services from both Huawei and ZTE.
According to the company, this will offer higher throughputs and a wider network coverage, which will improve user experience with higher reliability, stability, and consistency.
The company said that the technology solutions will leverage CelcomDigi’s existing spectrum, and utilise the latest Tri-band Radio Units, Dualband Radio Units, and Baseband Radio Units. This will be further complemented by the latest technology that enables lower site footprint, power consumption, and cost efficiency.
Both Huawei and ZTE will also manage network densification and site upgrade projects with capacity-enhancing Dual Band Massive MIMO 32T32R technology.
Additionally, CelcomDigi will also implement Intelligent Network Monitoring tools to ensure efficient network operations and maintenance which will enhance quality of service analysis and further develop a strong dynamic response in managing network alerts.
With our combined expertise and resources, the modernised, future-proof network will strengthen CelcomDigi’s ability to better meet customer expectations, maintain our competitive edge, and meet the data demands of an evolving digital landscape. Our integrated and modernised network will be a critical piece in driving CelcomDigi’s ambitions to be the new digital growth engine for the nation that supports the seamless coexistence and evolution of 4G/LTE and future technologies, including 5G.
CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi
Making it 5G ready
CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said the new network is designed to be able to potentially transition seamlessly into a new 5G network with an 18,000-site reach, which he says is the right infrastructure to usher Malaysia into the era of ultra-high speeds, low latency, and the opportunities of a more connected future.
This is a significant development for CelcomDigi and the industry, and we are excited to be leading the way – now with strategic partners Huawei and ZTE – to realise the potential of our shared digital future.
CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi
CelcomDigi will integrate and modernise the network by clusters, with activities focused on coverage and capacity expansion efforts, upgrading sites with the latest 4G and 5G-ready technologies, as well as streamlining overlapping sites to eliminate duplication.
The company added that it will maximise its spectrum portfolio to create a multilayer, multiband network, which includes nationwide deployment of the 900MHz spectrum at all sites to improve coverage and indoor service quality.
The new network will offer customers a significantly elevated quality of experience, improving reach from 96% to 98% of populated areas nationwide.
Reinvesting into network upgrades
CelcomDigi has been actively trying to upgrade its networks as per its Q1 2023 earnings report, where the company plans to re-invest 15% to 18% of total revenue in CAPEX to support the network integration and modernisation programme, as well as enhancing existing Celcom and Digi networks.
It plans to keep the strong pace of integration execution to complete the network exercise within the next two and a half to three years.
