Celcom, Digi, Maxis sign MoU to explore joint fibre infra collaboration to prepare for 5G

• MoU a key industry initiative supporting Malaysia’s NFCP ambitions
• Also an important milestone to optimise 4G connectivity experience

Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd and Maxis Bhd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore joint fibre infrastructure development to efficiently deploy fibre backhaul and rollout fibre to base stations in the country. This will enable improved 4G connectivity nationwide, in line with the government’s National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) ambitions.

The MoU sees the three telcos exploring to combine their expertise in designing, building, commissioning, operating and maintaining their fibre infrastructure nationwide. It also includes evaluating ways the telcos can optimise the use of existing fibre infrastructure, and current swapping and common build arrangements.

The MoU also serves as an important milestone as Malaysia gears up for 5G deployment. To achieve all that 5G offers, a denser, fibre-rich infrastructure is needed to deliver 5G’s key performance indicators: low latency, higher data speeds, ultra-high reliability and capacity to manage more connected devices.

Commenting on the development, Idham Nawawi, CEO of Celcom said, “We believe collaboration is the way forward for the industry towards the development of a sustainable ecosystem. Therefore, we welcome this initiative to explore on a collective resource of assets that will potentially lead to a more coordinated joint roll out of our services.”

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

Maxis CEO, Gokhan Ogut expressed the view that this was an “an example of intelligent cooperation towards achieving the government’s NFCP (National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan) ambitions and targets. We look forward to working together to explore what we can all bring to the table in terms of resources and capabilities which can ultimately benefit all consumers and businesses in Malaysia.”

Idham explains that the MoU will also explore the best practices to deploy network enhancement that are cost efficient, prevents duplication of infrastructure building while further expanding the nation’s connectivity landscape. “Ultimately, the rakyat will benefit by receiving products and services with the most value,” he says.

Gokhan adds that, this sharing will be a positive step forward in delivering ubiquitous network access in all the towns and cities in the country while Albern stressed that Digi has always viewed partnerships as a positive way forward, “to deliver affordable, widespread connectivity to all Malaysians.”