This post is brought to you by Celcom
The world has changed. In the blink of an eye, the COVID-19 pandemic has radically altered life for all Malaysians. The global pandemic has resulted in offices and schools closing across the world to limit the spread of COVID-19.
It has ushered in a new era where working from home (WFH) and remote learning is common as is the reliance on digital platforms like Zoom for communication. Even the way we shop and seek entertainment has changed as we shy away from malls and cinemas to rely on e-commerce platforms, food deliveries and streaming services for our daily needs.
In fact, it has been found that 70% of Malaysians still rely on mobile data for their connectivity needs. Naturally, having a good reliable mobile network has become more crucial during the current pandemic. During the first Movement Control Order (MCO), the country saw a surge in internet traffic of over 30% as more people consumed data in video conferencing and shopping over the internet.
Celcom, the country’s largest and widest network, recognises the increase in demand for data will only increase in 2021. The telco is looking to stay ahead in the next normal by upgrading its 4G network capacity and has plans to increase the number of base stations across the country.
Currently, the blue telco has over 11,500 sites nationwide and more than 13 million users. The telco announced in December that it will upgrade a total of 4,700 network sites nationwide with 49% located in urban areas and 51% in rural areas. These sites will be upgraded and equipped with the latest 4G equipment that is optimised with greater capacity.
It is also set to upgrade and optimise 1,000 4G network sites in Sabah and Sarawak, which would improve coverage in rural areas. The improvements are focused on delivering better in-building coverage from 4G LTE base station towers as well as offering wider 4G coverage in rural areas.
Adding to that, it will also conduct a nationwide cluster optimisation program for an additional 3,600 network sites that will increase capacity to address buffering issues and deliver better voice and video quality to customers. All in all, the telco is investing RM256 million for its upgrading exercise.
Celcom’s plans are aligned with the government’s JENDELA plan to improve the country’s 4G speeds from the current average speed of 25Mbps to 35Mbps by 2022. It also aims to expand coverage from 91.8% to 96.9%, together with sunsetting 3G networks by the end of 2021. With the rollout of 5G networks put on hold, telcos like Celcom are focusing their efforts on strengthening 4G coverage and optimise its existing spectrum.
In short, having a stronger network means faster speeds and lower latency which should improve the overall experience for all users. Celcom’s high-speed internet offerings which include unlimited home fibre broadband is prepared to help customers reconnect with their loved ones over Zoom. At the same time, Celcom also has flexible mobile plans to help users unwind while allowing them to stream and binge on the latest Netflix shows and enjoy their favourite online games from the comforts of their home.
For more information about Celcom’s 4G network, visit their website.
#NextNormalReady #ReadyWithCelcom #CelcomTerritory
