Malaysian mobile network operator Celcom Axiata is planning to spend approximately MYR1 billion (USD307 million) on upgrading its 4G infrastructure and enhancing its network quality, according to Bernama. Celcom’s deputy chief financial officer Jennifer Wong confirmed the figure, noting that CAPEX in 2014 would be roughly the same as in the current financial year; in the nine months to end-September 2013 Celcom has spent around MYR513 million, with full-year CAPEX still set at MYR1 billion.
A notable portion of the company’s expenditure this year has been directed towards the rollout of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) infrastructure, and Celcom has said it aims to have deployed as many as 620 4G cell sites nationwide by the end of 2013, with plans to nearly double that figure in the first quarter of 2014.
In detailing the mobile operator’s spending plans, it was also confirmed that Celcom has spent almost MYR200 million on enhancing the quality of its existing infrastructure, including the introduction of technologies designed to address dropped calls. A further MYR100 million has, meanwhile, been set aside for coverage and quality improvements in the Klang Valley, eastern Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, major highways and tourist areas, in a project slated for completion by April 2014.