Telekom Malaysia (TM) and Maxis formed a strategic partnership in Malaysia, allowing TM to utilize Maxis’ 4G Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) and Domestic Roaming Services for nationwide mobile connectivity enhancement.
MOCN is a radio access network sharing mechanism that allows different core networks to utilize the same RAN infrastructure. By leveraging Maxis’ RAN infrastructure, TM plans to extend its 4G coverage across Malaysia, particularly in rural areas. This move is expected to significantly improve the population coverage of TM’s mobile service, Unifi Mobile, to above 95%.
Improved connectivity has been a major focus for Malaysia. In May, the government stated that a task force will be established to ensure that Digital Nasional Berhad’s (DNB) 5G network provides 80% coverage in the country. The Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, said the objective of the task force is to ensure a seamless transition to the dual 5G network by early 2024.
Recently, Malaysia announced plans to launch a second 5G network in January 2024 to address concerns about transparency and pricing and prevent a government-owned network from creating a national monopoly. The implementation of the 5G network will be the key to its success.
Among Malaysia’s main telco companies are Maxis Berhad, Celcom, Digi, U Mobile, Telekom Malaysia and YTL Communications.
Other initiatives by the government in relation to connectivity include JENDELA, a 5-year plan (2020-2025), which is the collaboration between industries and the government, originating from the National Digital Infrastructure Lab (NDIL) in 2020, according to the Strategy Paper released by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). As part of the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), it serves as a national initiative to enhance digital communications to ensure Malaysians have access to high-quality digital connectivity.
