Celcom deploys Malaysia’s largest cloud-native core network, doubling its core network capacity

Celcom has announced that it has deployed Malaysia’s largest and most advanced telco cloud-native core network as part of its network modernisation effort. It claims that the new deployment will double its core network capacity, allowing them to improve network resiliency by offering more reliability, higher performance and lower latency for all network users.

According to Celcom, their cloud-native core network is currently operating with the largest Full Mesh CUPS (Control User Plane Separation) network, which enables smooth reengineering of business continuity architecture and agile capacity management and operations. Adopting Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards, it would also promote agile and fast third-party omboarding capabilities to accelerate the go-to-market of products and services.

The upgraded core network also enables the transition towards the capacity of an all-in-one converged mobile packet core offering customers an integrated and smooth network experience across 2G, 4G and upcoming 5G services. With its future-proof platform, it is also ready to support both 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) architecture as well as 3rd party applications that will unlock the full potential of a 5G ecosystem.

Celcom Axiata Chief Operations Officer and Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Afizulazha Abdullah, said “Celcom’s latest network investments to deploy the nation’s largest and most sophisticated telco core network with cloud-native services will ensure improved digital experiences for all Celcom network users. By deploying the latest and innovative technology for our core network, our core capacity can support more users and ensure smoother data usage experiences.”

“With the growing data traffic and demand for internet access across various applications and solutions, Celcom’s newly enhanced core network is now capable to integrate more complex products and services, to meet the needs of any unique digital lifestyle. This includes strengthening our Enterprise ICT service portfolio and Convergence services, including upcoming 5G services, with our latest core network enhancements,” he added.

Before the merger with Digi is completed, Celcom claims to be the largest private mobile network operator with over 14 million users on its 2G and 4G networks. At the moment, the blue telco said it has 96.21% 4G population coverage nationwide and has invested over RM1 billion into its 4G network in the past 18 months. As shared during its recent H1 2022 report, the average data consumption by Celcom customers is 24.2GB per month.

In case you missed it, Celcom has started its friendly 5G user trials with selected customers. Eligible Celcom customers will be able to access 5G for free until further notice and will also get to access 5G roaming in 15 countries.

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