Malaysian mobile network operators (MNOs) Celcom Axiata and Maxis have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which they will explore ‘’a potential partnership for efficient deployment of Malaysia’s 5G infrastructure, further supporting the development of the nation’s digital ecosystem’. In a press release regarding the matter, the MNOs said their collaboration would also enable them to explore possible business opportunities in relation to 5G key strategic areas with a view to delivering the next generation of mobile broadband technology as soon as the necessary spectrum is made available. It was also noted that the potential collaboration is focused on the joint deployment of 5G infrastructure which would cover selected areas, while Maxis and Celcom would continue to maintain and own their respective infrastructure, while also aiming to ‘remain competitive in other areas’.
Commenting, Celcom CEO Idham Nawawi said: ‘We believe collaboration is the way forward for the industry and working with Maxis to explore a more coordinated 5G deployment in Malaysia is something we are excited about … Our potential collaboration will pave the way for the delivery of a world-class 5G network, on top of our existing 4G and 3G/2G networks, to every Malaysian, realising a truly digital Malaysia in the IR4.0 era.’ Meanwhile, his counterpart at Maxis, Gokhan Ogut, was cited as saying: ‘We welcome the idea of collaborating with Celcom for 5G network sharing. We are already sharing towers, fibre and working together on connectivity for rural areas and USP projects. This helps us save resources and accelerate rollout.’