Sabah’s state capital, Kota Kinabalu, is now covered by U Mobile’s own ULTRA5G network ahead of the Merdeka Day and Sabah Day celebration on 31st August 2025.
U Mobile users in Sabah can enjoy ULTRA5G when their devices show UM ULTRA5G as the network name.
Malaysia’s second 5G network rollout in Kota Kinabalu comes just in time as the city is expected to attract over 50,000 people for the upcoming celebration. According to U Mobile, ULTRA5G will provide customers with high-quality and reliable connectivity as it is powered by their next generation network.
The deployment in Kota Kinabalu is made possible with its partner ZTE and Celcom Timur Sabah. Among the new U Mobile 5G sites include Padang Bandaran and Karamunsing Shopping Complex.
As announced in April 2025, U Mobile has appointed Huawei and ZTE as their 5G network technology partners. Huawei is tasked to cover the deployment in West Malaysia, while ZTE is looking after the deployment in East Malaysia.
U Mobile launched its ULTRA 5G network last week, after receiving the green light from MCMC to deploy the second 5G network in March this year. The first locations are at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur and the Penang Bridge 1.
The orange telco aims to achieve 80% 5G population coverage by the second half of 2026. While they have not provided any short term deployment targets, it aims to cover 175 buildings with in-building 5G coverage in the next year and they target over 600 buildings within 4 years.
Besides Sabah, U Mobile says they are also powering the National Day celebrations in Putrajaya, ensuring attendees in the capital are able to enjoy the benefits of its 5G network. The company stated that this initiative reflects its commitment to deliver wide and deep 5G coverage nationwide, including reliable connectivity at major outdoor events as well as in indoor environments.
