Telekom Malaysia and MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems (Astro) have inked deals to collaborate in delivering ‘a high quality digital experience to all Malaysians’, with the pair claiming the partnership ‘signifies both companies’ commitment to support the [government’s] Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) initiative in providing wider broadband coverage and a better experience nationwide’.
Through a strategic collaboration, Telekom Malaysia – via its TM Wholesale unit – will provide Astro with a full suite of infrastructure and connectivity solutions that comprise a range of wholesale services, including ‘high speed broadband (‘HSBB’), bandwidth, backhaul and internet access’. Utilising TM’s HSBB service, Astro will be able to provide broadband services to its customers across a wide area without needing to build new infrastructure of its own. Meanwhile, Telekom Malaysia’s internet access solution will enable Astro to offer ‘high performance internet connectivity and a comprehensive solution to its customers’. TM will also provide Astro with its Content Delivery Network (TM CDN), a newly developed content platform service, which is expected to enable the latter to strengthen its video streaming efficiency of its current service offerings.
Commenting on the collaboration, Astro chief executive Henry Tan said: ‘This strategic partnership with TM lays the foundation for Astro to be an internet service provider. Astro’s goal is to provide Malaysians with the best digital experience and broadband value proposition. Leveraging on the strength of TM’s wide HSBB network will enable Astro to realise new revenue streams, scaling our broadband service with content bundles, or standalone broadband and other product lines. This deal gives us more flexibility to offer great value and convenience to our customers.’ Telekom Malaysia’s CEO Imri Mokhtar added: ‘This strategic collaboration also demonstrates our commitment to ensure Malaysians are provided with a seamless and ‘always-on’ connectivity experience. We are happy to work with Astro and this is yet another testament to our pivotal role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia aspirations.’