Telekom Malaysia and Maxis have signed an infrastructure-sharing deal to strengthen their hand against newly merged rival CelcomDigi.
The agreement will allow Telekom Malaysia to use Maxis’ 4G Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) as well as 2G and 4G domestic roaming services “to enhance mobile connectivity nationwide.” TM will have access to 6,800 sites via which it can offer LTE core and domestic roaming, as well as a further 10,000 sites for 2G roaming.
The deal will enable TM to expand its 4G coverage nationwide, with the operator claiming that its UniFi Mobile service will be able to reach 95% of Malaysia’s population. TM CEO Datuk Imri Mokhtar called the deal “an important step in the industry’s collaborative efforts towards infrastructure sharing.”
“Our partnership will elevate TM’s 4G mobile proposition to deliver exceptional customer experience for home, SME, and enterprise customers. It will complement our 5G offering, and pave the way for greater innovation and collaboration, to deliver solutions and services for all Malaysians”, said Mokhtar.
Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng described the collaboration between the operators as “the right way forward as it will ultimately benefit consumers”, highlighting the improved coverage attainable by more efficient use of resources – as well as the potential cost savings.