PETALING JAYA (June 1): CelcomDigi Bhd has officially commenced its full-scale programme to build a future digital network by integrating and modernising the largest 4G network in Malaysia with the latest long term evolution (LTE) and 5G-ready technologies. 

Chief executive officer Datuk Idham Nawawi said the programme includes the largest network deployment projects in the country involving a total of 18,000 sites, following the successful merger of Celcom and Digi in December 2022.

He said the new integrated and modernised network unlocks the benefits and strengths of the merger between Celcom and Digi. 

"We are excited to embark on this project for the country, to build the largest, most modern digital network using the latest mobile telecommunications technology. 

"We have successfully deployed pilots in five clusters recently, namely in Sitiawan, Rawang, Bercham, Port Dickson, and Kuantan, and we are pleased to report that the upgrades were managed without any disruption to customer experience," he said in a media briefing here on Thursday (June 1). 

According to Idham, the network is also designed to be able to potentially transition seamlessly into a new 5G network, with the upgraded sites and capacity expansion making for a faster, more efficient network engine with enhanced capabilities to deliver higher throughput. 

"This is a significant development for CelcomDigi and the country, and we are excited to be leading the way to realise the potential of our shared digital future.

"When completed, the new network will offer customers a significantly elevated quality of experience across the country, improving reach from 96 per cent to 98 per cent of Malaysians nationwide," he added. 

Idham highlighted that as per its first-quarter (1Q) 2023 financial report, the company plans to reinvest 15 to 18% of total revenue in capital expenditure (capex) to support both existing networks and the new integrated and modernised network. 

Meanwhile, commenting on CelcomDigi’s plans for the 5G network implementation, Idham noted that the company is actively participating in discussions with the government and related industry players following the government's decision on the dual-network model for 5G.

"It is up to the government later to decide with the process of setting up which party is involved in entity A and entity B for the 5G deployment. In the meantime, we will continue to work with the government throughout the process. 

"We look forward to the opportunity to play a more active role in this whole development of 5G in Malaysia. We do have the resources, existing infrastructure and access to the market that we can bring together for the benefit of the country," he said. 

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