At Mobile World Congress 2024, Malaysian operators CelcomDigi and U Mobile agreed to share 100 multi-operator core network sites across Malaysia, as well as collaborate on developing use cases for 5G-Advanced (5G-A).
CelcomDigi and U Mobile signed an agreement under which each will commit to 50 core network sites to be shared between them. The arrangement aims to expand their 4G LTE coverage and boost connectivity.
CelcomDigi chief executive officer Datuk Idham Nawawi said the two telcos will also benefit from more efficient network operations, freeing up resources to invest elsewhere to improve customer experience.
U Mobile CEO Wong Heang Tuck added that the arrangement will also help both operators share deployment, maintenance and energy costs, as well as optimise spectrum usage and network capacity.
Meanwhile, in a separate deal, CelcomDigi and U Mobile signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ZTE to demonstrate the capabilities of 5G-A technology, artificial intelligence and digital solutions for real-time live broadcasting.
The collaboration covers 5G-A field trials of live use case applications in Sarawak using 5G carrier aggregation solutions such as Automatic Antenna Pattern Control (AAPC) AAU Hibernation, mmWave, Dynamic Frame Scheduling (DIS Solution), Fusion Assisting Super TDD (FAST Solution) for faster 5G speeds.
The trials will also include ZTE’s Native-AI Intelligent RAN, which promises better network and streaming management.
That deal was revealed the same day that Ericsson signed a MoU with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), Malaysia’s sole 5G wholesale operator, to upgrade its national 5G network to 5G Advanced.