This post is brought to you by CelcomDigi.
Since last year, CelcomDigi embarked on Malaysia’s largest network deployment exercise to integrate two large networks into a singular modernised 5G-ready network covering 18,000 sites nationwide. As of July 2024, the network modernisation exercise has been completed in Penang and overall, it has surpassed over 50% of its targeted upgrades nationwide.
To verify the network upgrades and to inspire confidence among customers, CelcomDigi has kickstarted Skuad 5G. This is an ongoing initiative to deploy network experts on the field to run multiple tests and engage with customers to gather insights to address network pain points. The initiative is in line with its ambition to bring 5G For All and to solidify its position as the No. 1 widest and fastest network in Malaysia.
As Malaysia’s largest telco, CelcomDigi says it is responsible for providing equitable access to affordable and reliable connectivity to all Malaysians. During its network modernisation exercise, they have been receiving lots of feedback from customers about its network quality and are duty-bound to identify issues and fix them to ensure an optimal user experience.
The Skuad 5G team is a specialised team of network engineers tasked to stress test its network nationwide and ensure service levels match desired ambitions and quality standards. They joined CelcomDigi management and leaders to go on a nationwide tour to test the network and engage with customers.
Following the completion of the network upgrades in Penang, the Skuad 5G team took a rather interesting approach to test their network covering various environments namely land, sea and sky.
Starting the journey from Kuala Lumpur, the team travelled to Butterworth via the ETS. During the journey by train, the team played mobile games to test the connectivity for a zero-lag gaming experience.
Upon arrival in Butterworth, the team proceeded to take a ferry to Georgetown. While crossing the sea, they streamed online videos to ensure a high-resolution and smooth streaming experience on their network.
To ensure optimal network coverage even at the highest tower on the island, the team went up to The TOP Penang at Komtar to conduct voice call tests to ensure there were no drop calls on their network.
Of course, the biggest validation is from the customers themselves. To ensure Penangites are indeed enjoying an improved network experience post-consolidation and optimisation, the team has also engaged with customers around the island to gather feedback and understand their CelcomDigi network experience.
At the moment, CelcomDigi is on track to reach 75% completion of its network modernisation exercise by the end of 2024. With the latest upgrades, customers can expect to enjoy increased 4G download speeds, wider coverage and more consistent network quality and experience. In addition, these upgrades will also boost CelcomDigi’s 5G readiness to deploy a second 5G network in a shorter period.
For more info, visit CelcomDigi’s 5G For All page.