Celcom and DiGi ink MoU on network sharing

Malaysian mobile network operators Celcom and DiGi Telecommunications have reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at considering long-term infrastructure collaboration. According to Bernama, the duo has said that the MoU focuses on three areas: operations and maintenance; transmission and site sharing; and radio access network. Commenting on the agreement DiGi CEO Henrik Clausen said that network sharing could prove a key strategy to drive cost and operational efficiencies, noting: ‘These efficiencies will in turn allow us to explore new and innovative ways to provide wider coverage at better costs for our customers, especially in facilitating the strong demand for data services nationwide.’ A definitive agreement between the two operators is expected to be finalised by the end of 2010, although while any network sharing agreement is expected to include both existing and future infrastructure, the two companies do not plan to make joint bids for any spectrum that may be made available by the Malaysian authorities.