Malaysian operator CelcomDigi has announced that it has begun its full-scale programme to build what it calls Malaysia’s future digital network – integrating and modernising the largest 4G network in Malaysia with the latest LTE and 5G-ready technologies.
This, the company points out, marks one of the largest network deployment projects in the country involving a total of 18,000 sites, following the successful merger of operators Celcom and Digi earlier in December 2022.
Noting the company’s excitement at building “the largest, most modern digital network using the latest in mobile telecommunications technology”, Chief Executive Officer Datuk Idham Nawawi says, “We have successfully deployed pilots in five clusters recently, namely in Sitiawan, Rawang, Bercham, Port Dickson, and Kuantan, and we are pleased to report that the upgrades were managed without any disruption to customer experience.”
The new digital network will integrate the two existing strong networks that have a combined footprint of 96.4% for 4G LTE and 90.3% for 4G LTE-A.
CelcomDigi says it will integrate and modernise the network by clusters, with activities focused on coverage and capacity expansion efforts and upgrading sites with the latest 4G and 5G-ready technologies such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and multiband remote raCOVERdio units (RRU), as well as streamlining overlapping sites to eliminate duplication.
The company says it will maximise its spectrum portfolio to create a multilayer, multiband network, which includes nationwide deployment of the 900MHz spectrum at all sites to improve coverage and indoor service quality.