Celcom Axiata Bhd will triple its network capacity by adopting an advanced seamless network mobility initiative under one network platform.

To facilitate the move, Celcom today appointed Erisson and Huawei to supply the latest and Best Radio Access Equipment.
The initiative to build a new world-class mobile network in Malaysia will greatly enhance customers' experience by providing them advanced seamless network mobility, said Chief Executive Officer Datuk Shazalli Ramly.

Speaking at the signing ceremony today, he said the network modernisation exercise, which is Long Term Evolution ready would accommodate the rise in data demand in anticipation of smartphones growth.

Upon the full rollout of the three year project, it will triple Celcom''s network capacity, provide the best service with enhanced data speed of 42 MegaBits per second, superior high definition quality voice service and, wider and more stable coverage.

Celcom, which has set aside an allocation RM1 billion for capital expenditure this year, will spend 60 per cent of that on this network modernisation exercise.

The mobile network service provider has prioritised its national 2G and 3G radio access network modernisation project at all base stations, nationwide.

'As part of Celcom's initiative to upgrade its mobile network, the company will modernise all its existing radio equipment at more than 9,000 2G and 3G base station sites,' Shazalli said adding that, it would deploy about 2,000 new sites utilising the Single RAN solution.

The modernised Celcom network is expected to go live in several phases from mid-year and serve a current customer base of 11 million. -- Bernama