In a significant development, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s second 5G network operator, has signed agreements with Chinese technology giants Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and ZTE Corporation to support the rollout of the country’s second 5G network, officially known as Next-Gen 5G.
Agreements with Huawei and ZTE
- Huawei will lead the 5G rollout across Peninsular Malaysia
- ZTE will oversee deployment efforts in Sabah and Sarawak
- Both companies will support U Mobile’s target of achieving 80% coverage in populated areas within the first 12 months of rollout, with plans to reach 90% in the following year
The agreements were signed in the presence of Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, U Mobile chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan, and representatives from Huawei and ZTE. Tan Sri Vincent Tan, U Mobile chairman, expressed his appreciation for the trust and confidence placed in U Mobile by the government. He also acknowledged the importance of the partnership in supporting the country’s technological advancement.
Government Support and Commitment
“ I would like to thank the Malaysian government, particularly the Communications Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for their trust and confidence in U Mobile to lead this next phase of Malaysia’s technological advancement,” said Tan Sri Vincent Tan
Tan noted that the government’s introduction of the 5G dual network model had created a more dynamic ecosystem that encourages greater industry participation, healthy competition and service innovation. He added that U Mobile has consistently demonstrated its dedication to delivering accessible, reliable connectivity and innovative services that Malaysians want and need.
Technical Details and Plans
- U Mobile has invested over RM8 billion in its network and technology
- Over 10,000 network sites and 95% population coverage nationwide
- Both companies will support U Mobile’s target of achieving 80% coverage in populated areas within the first 12 months of rollout, with plans to reach 90% in the following year
Woon Ooi Yuen, U Mobile chief technology officer, highlighted the procurement process, which began last year with an international tender issued to several network equipment and software providers. Ultimately, Huawei and ZTE were the only respondents, with both companies aligning with U Mobile’s vision for a fast and efficient rollout.
Quotes from Key Figures
“ We’re pleased to formalise our partnerships with Huawei and ZTE – two of the world’s leading 5G technology providers. These partnerships were selected through a meticulous, transparent evaluation process to ensure we work with the best to support our goals,” said Tan Sri Vincent Tan
“Beyond their global technology expertise, both companies aligned with our vision for a fast and efficient rollout,” said Woon Ooi Yuen
Significance of the Partnership
With the signing of these agreements, U Mobile has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to delivering fast and reliable connectivity to Malaysians.
The partnership with Huawei and ZTE is expected to support the rollout of the country’s second 5G network, providing greater industry participation, healthy competition, and service innovation. The agreements will also help to advance the national digital agenda, with U Mobile leading the rollout across Peninsular Malaysia and ZTE overseeing deployment efforts in Sabah and Sarawak.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the partnership between U Mobile, Huawei, and ZTE marks a significant milestone in the rollout of Malaysia’s second 5G network. With the support of these leading technology providers, U Mobile is well-positioned to deliver fast and reliable connectivity to Malaysians, advancing the country’s technological advancement and promoting digital inclusivity.
