Malaysia’s second 5G network which will be deployed by U Mobile, is expected to achieve 80% coverage of populated area (COPA) by the second half of 2026. This was revealed during the official vendor signing ceremony with Huawei and ZTE.
In his speech at the ceremony, the Chairman of U Mobile, Vincent Tan, said that the 80% COPA will achieve “within the year”. The U Mobile’s Chief Technology Officer, Woon Ooi Yuen then noted that the telco aims to hit the said milestone within H2 2026.
U Mobile have ambitious deployment targets
Once the telco achieves the 80% COPA target, the next milestone would be 90% COPA within the following 12 months. Woon also said that Malaysia’s Next Gen 5G network, as U Mobile calls it, will be a 5G Standalone (SA) network from day 1.
In addition to that, the enterprise-grade network will have 5G-Advanced capability and network slicing from day 1 as well. The telco is also planning to increase 5G indoor sites in order to improve 5G in-building coverage (IBC).
Huawei, ZTE to cover different sides of Malaysia
Meanwhile, Vincent also said that two 5G vendors have been assigned to deploy in different sides of the country. Specifically, Huawei will be responsible for Peninsular Malaysia while ZTE will be looking after Sabah and Sarawak.
“We started this selection process last year with invitations to tender, sent out to network equipment and software provider companies from all regions. Ultimately, only two Chinese companies responded and we are delighted to work with Huawei and ZTE on this significant endeavour.
Apart from their global technology track record, they have also shared vision for an efficient and rapid rollout. U Mobile is looking forward to Huawei and ZTE playing a critical role in bringing a Next Gen 5G network that is enterprise-grade to Malaysians rapidly,” – Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer
How about U Mobile’s relationship with DNB?
When asked whether the telco has sorted out its existing relationship with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) who deployed the country’s first 5G network, U Mobile’s Chief Executive Officer, Wong Heang Tuck said it is something that will be explained by DNB itself.
“…there are processes within the shareholders agreement and we are now following those processes in order for U Mobile to exit from DNB. So, that one, it will be announced in due course by DNB themselves.” – Wong Heang Tuck, Chief Executive Officer, U Mobile.
Previously, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said that the second 5G network will not be implemented until the funding by the Ministry of Finance into DNB are returned. The establishment of DNB involved an initial equity injection of RM500 million in 2021, together with a shareholder loan of RM450 million in May 2023 from the Ministry of Finance.
