Maxis has been appointed by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) as the Single Preferred Infrastructure Provider and Telecommunications Partner for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).
The strategic agreement covers a period of 10 years and Maxis will deliver a full suite of connectivity ecosystem across the 665km rail alignment.
The appointment was formalised at the KotaSAS ECRL station in Kuantan coinciding with the arrival ceremony of the ECRL’s Golden Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train and Electric Locomotive (E-Loco). The event was officiated by Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Maxis to ensure seamless mobile coverage across rail alignment including tunnels
Under the agreement, Maxis will ensure seamless mobile coverage for passengers across the entire alignment, including coverage inside tunnels and at all stations.
It will also manage the operations, maintenance and commercialisation of MRL’s telecommunications assets and fibre capacity as part of the fibre infrastructure scope.
For passengers and tenants, Maxis will also provide high-speed onboard WiFi and broadband solutions for retailers at ECRL stations.
On the operational side, Maxis will implement enterprise push-to-talk services to enhance communication and safety for railway personnel.
Maxis teams up with U Mobile to develop new mobile infrastructure
To ensure universal connectivity, Maxis has also entered into an agreement with U Mobile to jointly develop the new mobile infrastructure for the ECRL.
This is to ensure that the ECRL will operate as a shared network, allowing users from all mobile network operators (MNOs) to enjoy uninterrupted service. As the lead partner, Maxis will coordinate with other telcos to maintain rigorous quality and coverage standards along the entire line.
Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng said, “Maxis is committed to supporting the ECRL project by delivering fast, reliable, and secure connectivity, benefitting its operations, passengers, and ecosystem of retailers. This initiative aligns with the national digital agenda, contributing to the development of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) for the benefit of the rakyat.”
According to Maxis, the partnership marks a major milestone in Malaysia’s journey toward a digital integrated transport network. It added by leveraging its No. 1 converged network, Maxis ensures that ECRL is not just a transport link but a digital corridor that empowers communities.
