CelcomDigi has announced that it is teaming up with Huawei and ZTE for the purchase of network services, solutions and equipment for its nationwide network integration and modernisation project. The full-scale programme aims to build Malaysia’s future digital network by integrating and modernising the largest 4G network in Malaysia with the latest LTE and 5G-ready technologies.
According to CelcomDigi, this is one of the largest telco network deployment projects in the country. As the newly merged telco, the network modernisation exercise will include the upgrade and consolidation of almost 25,000 existing Celcom and Digi sites nationwide. It will involve almost 800 engineers consisting of both skilled local engineers and R&D resources, and more than 250 specialised contractor teams for the nationwide installation works.
Under the various agreements, CelcomDigi will modernise its nationwide Radio Access Network (RAN) with the latest technologies which include end-to-end engineering and optimisation services from both Huawei and ZTE. This will result in higher throughputs and wider network coverage for the delivery of an improved user experience with higher reliability, stability and consistency.
The solutions will leverage on CelcomDigi’s existing mobile spectrum, utilise the latest tri-band Radio Units, Dualband Radio Units and Baseband Radio Units. These are 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 increased capacity with Dual Band Massive MIMO 32T23R technology.
CelcomDigi will also implement Intelligent Network Monitoring tools to ensure efficient network operations and maintenance. The tools will also enhance CelcomDigi’s Quality of Service analysis and develop strong dynamic responses in managing network alerts.
CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said, “We are excited with our collaboration with Huawei and ZTE to deploy our network integration and modernisation project. 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.”
Datuk Idham added that the new network is designed to be able to potentially transition seamlessly into a new 5G network with an 18,000 site reach, offering the right infrastructure to deliver ultra-high speeds, low latency and opportunities for a more connected future. He said this is a significant development for CelcomDigi and the industry, as they are excited to be leading the way with, strategic partners Huawei and ZTE, to realise the potential of their shared digital future.
CelcomDigi will be integrating and modernising its network by clusters with activities focused on coverage and capacity expansion, upgrading sites with the latest 4G and 5G-ready technologies. The exercise is also to streamline overlapping sites to eliminate duplication. It also aims to maximise its spectrum portfolio by creating a multilayer, multiband network which includes nationwide deployment of 900MHz spectrum at all sites to improve coverage and indoor service quality. CelcomDigi said customers can expect a better mobile experience as the coverage expands from 96% to 98% population coverage nationwide.
CelcomDigi says they are planning to re-invest 15% to 18% of its total revenue in CAPEX to support the network integration and modernisation programme, as well as to enhance existing Celcom and Digi networks. It plans to keep the pace of integration execution to complete the network exercise within the next two and a half to three years.
Commenting on the partnership, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said “I am very honored to be given the opportunity to witness the signing of the local supply agreement between CelcomDigi and technology partners, Huawei and ZTE. This demonstrates CelcomDigi’s commitment to improving 4G networks, especially CelcomDigi’s effort of improving network efficiency. At the same time, CelcomDigi as one of the most important Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Malaysia, has a role to play by helping to address customer issues, especially in terms of the quality of experience for internet usage. I believe that this matter can be resolved well after several discussions between the telcos and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).”
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