Melaka is looking to improve mobile connectivity across the state by upgrading more of its telecommunications towers to fibre backhaul.
Melaka ICT Holdings (MICTH) has appointed Maxis as its Strategic Infrastructure Partner to fibre MICTH-owned telecommunications towers.
According to Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh, the initiative involves around RM30 million in investment and will increase fibre-optic connectivity across telco towers in the state from 40% to 80%. A total of 151 towers will be covered under the initiative, which forms part of the Smart Melaka Blueprint 2035.
Under the agreement, Maxis will upgrade MICTH-owned telecommunications towers by migrating their existing microwave backhaul connections to advanced high-capacity optical fibre.
Backhaul essentially connects a mobile tower to the wider telecommunications network. Compared to microwave links, fibre can provide greater capacity to accommodate increasing data traffic, which is crucial for 4G and 5G networks.
The infrastructure upgrade is intended to support faster and more reliable 4G and 5G services while improving overall network performance in Melaka. In addition, the modernised infrastructure would pave the way for future high-speed broadband expansion into surrounding residential and commercial areas.
Maxis to offer backhaul services to other telcos
As MICTH’s strategic partner, Maxis said it will leverage its wholesale capabilities to offer mobile backhaul services to other mobile network operators (MNOs). This would allow other telcos to utilise the infrastructure.
The latest agreement builds on an existing partnership between MICTH and Maxis. Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2024 to enhance broadband connectivity across Melaka.
Commenting on the project, Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng said, “We view this project as a critical milestone in our partnership with MICTH. By fiberising these sites, we are laying the foundation for a future-proof ecosystem. This network offers the scalability needed to meet the exponential rise in data demand, providing the high-speed, low-latency backbone that mobile connectivity and AI traffic demands.”
Meanwhile, MICTH CEO Dr Nazdiana Ab Wahab said, “Strategic collaboration with Maxis will accelerate the migration of MICTH-owned telecommunications sites from microwave-based connectivity to high-capacity fibre networks, enhancing network performance and supporting growing digital demands across the state. The partnership underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in strengthening Melaka’s digital infrastructure and advancing the state’s digitalisation agenda.”
