Ookla has released its Speedtest Report for Malaysia for the first 6 months of 2024. Based on their findings, they have awarded CelcomDigi as Malaysia’s best telco for Mobile Coverage for Q1-Q2 2024.
CelcomDigi awarded best mobile coverage in Malaysia
According to Ookla’s report, CelcomDigi achieved a Coverage Score of 30.73% based on a total of 248,848,752 scans by CelcomDigi users. The data was collected from 303,016 devices and CelcomDigi has a verified coverage area of 106,366 km² nationwide.
This is followed by Maxis in second place with a Coverage Score of 27.18% and a verified coverage area of 94,241 km². Meanwhile, Unifi Mobile recorded a Coverage Score of 18.03% and a verified coverage area of 63,156 km².
For context, Malaysia has a total area of 330,803 km², covering both West and East Malaysia which also includes unpopulated areas.
Ookla Coverage Score Methodology
Based on Ookla’s Speedtest Awards Methodology, the Coverage Score is based on a summary of data collection of devices successfully registered to a cell network. Ookla assess the provider’s coverage by hexagons of approximately 5000m² and it is counted as eligible if there are at least 5 successful scans and 2 users.
An eligible hexagon is counted as “in coverage” if at least 50% of the scans are within its “in coverage” classification. The final Coverage Score is calculated based on the total number of “in coverage” hexagons divided by the total number of hexagons identified in the country (multiplied by 100).
CelcomDigi mentions that the award reflects its commitment to continuously improving its network coverage, quality and performance to provide the best experience nationwide. It is currently undergoing a major network integration and modernisation exercise after the merger of Celcom and Digi.
CelcomDigi claims to have Malaysia’s widest 4G network, 97% population coverage
Commenting on the achievement, CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said, “This achievement is tangible evidence of our commitment to customer excellence, with a deep focus on continuous improvements to provide the best possible network experience for our customers. We are working hard to build Malaysia’s leading digital network, a cutting-edge technology infrastructure designed to deliver seamless, high-quality 4G and 5G services to all Malaysians nationwide. We continue to invest to modernise our network with the latest technologies to ensure we stay ahead in meeting the demands of a more connected society – ensuring millions of Malaysians benefit from the power of connectivity and accelerating the nation’s transformation into a 5G-AI powered digital society.”
According to CelcomDigi, it currently operates the widest 4G network in Malaysia covering 97% of populated areas nationwide. It claims to outpace other mobile network operators’ site count by at least 50%. Its latest network upgrades include the latest technologies such as 64T64R massive MIMO, Robotic Process Automation, MOCN sharing and AI-based self-organising network capabilities.
CelcomDigi added that it has also modernised all components of its network covering RAN, core and transport, with 5G-ready equipment, and more than 90% of its network sites are said to be 5G-ready.
By the end of 2024, 75% of its network will be modernised and its 18,000-site strong 5G-ready network is primed to enable fast deployment of 5G and 5G-Advanced technology across its wide footprint. The telco is confident that it is ready to be commissioned as one of the largest advanced 5G networks in the region.
