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Tag: U mobile

  • Asia Pacific Fixed Wireless Connections to Reach 50 Million by 2031

    Asia Pacific Fixed Wireless Connections to Reach 50 Million by 2031

    Fixed wireless access (FWA) connections across the Asia Pacific will reach 50 million by 2031, rising from 28 million in 2026 as telecom operators expand 5G-based broadband services to areas lacking fiber infrastructure.

    Data analytics firm GlobalData projects the regional FWA market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 12.5 per cent over the period. Adoption will be driven by rising demand for high-speed home internet, expanding 5G coverage, and persistent gaps in fixed-network reach across rural and underserved areas.

    Telecommunications providers, including Malaysia’s U Mobile and Indonesia’s MyRepublic Indonesia, are rolling out wireless broadband over 5G to connect households and businesses without physical fiber access.

    Bypassing the Digging Costs

    Laying physical glass into individual premises remains expensive. Wireless broadband delivers connections into homes and shops using rooftop or window receivers pointed at nearby mobile towers.

    Operators use this architecture to sign up residential customers and retail businesses that fiber networks bypassed. Malaysia’s U Mobile and Indonesia’s MyRepublic Indonesia are both expanding wireless broadband offers built on 5G infrastructure. Thailand’s AIS and New Zealand’s One NZ also sell fixed wireless connections to households and merchants needing quick installation without waiting for utility contractors.

    Sellers Add Bandwidth Demand

    Home demand centres on video streaming, remote working, online education, and connected household hardware. Merchant demand is shifting just as quickly.

    Small and mid-sized enterprises across the region require reliable links for cloud inventory software, digital point-of-sale terminals, and video conferencing. Plug-and-play receivers let shop owners start processing digital transactions without waiting weeks for fixed-line technicians to pull cables through conduits.

    Carrier Monetisation Pressures

    Telecom operators across Asia secured 5G spectrum and erected base stations. Consumer mobile phone plans failed to generate high enough average revenue per user to pay those networks off on their own.

    Fixed wireless gives carriers a second cash stream from the same radio towers without laying neighborhood distribution cables. Operators in India, New Zealand, and Hong Kong lead this network spending push, packaging broadband with tiered speeds, assigned data pools, and bundled digital subscriptions.

    Filling the Fixed Gaps

    Fixed wireless will run alongside underground fiber rather than replace it entirely in dense commercial districts. Fiber retains higher overall capacity, but wireless links solve the final-mile problem across dispersed suburban developments and island archipelagos.

    Carriers now compete on how quickly they can activate these accounts. The benchmark to track is whether operators hit the 28 million regional baseline projected for 2026 before accelerating toward the 50 million mark in 2031.

  • Malaysia Urged to Mandate Vendor Diversity for Dual 5G Networks

    Malaysia Urged to Mandate Vendor Diversity for Dual 5G Networks

    Malaysia should write explicit supplier diversification requirements into its national 5G framework, preventing both network operators from consolidating around identical infrastructure vendors, according to industry analysts.

    The dual-network architecture currently divides wholesale responsibilities between Digital Nasional Bhd, which deploys Ericsson equipment, and U Mobile, which selected Huawei and ZTE for the second rollout.

    Regulatory Gaps in Dual Deployment

    Ministerial Direction No. 7 of 2025 instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to implement a dual-network model, focusing on spectrum management and operational continuity. It stopped short of requiring a permanent division between Western and Chinese vendors.

    Global Asia Consulting analyst Samirul Ariff Othman noted that general licensing rules under the regulator remain technology-neutral. Without firm procurement stipulations, commercial operators could later merge supplier paths during future lifecycle upgrades or network-sharing deals.

    Shared vendor dependency exposes enterprise services and critical national infrastructure to common software flaws, export restrictions and single-source logistics chokepoints. A formal policy mechanism would mandate resilience reviews whenever an operator plans significant ownership or equipment vendor shifts.

    Cybersecurity and Foreign Enterprise Demands

    International corporate tenants and enterprise customers bring divergent compliance requirements to the market, particularly when handling regional supply-chain operations and data transfers across borders.

    Farlina Said, an analyst at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, pointed out that service reliability and alternative infrastructure sources remain necessary to limit single points of failure across industrial sectors.

    Different multinational enterprises face distinct national cybersecurity mandates in their home markets, which dictate acceptable hardware vendors for connected factories, automated logistics hubs and cloud processing nodes. Preserving genuine equipment variety inside Malaysia provides enterprise tenants with the technical flexibility needed to meet those standards.

    Policy Shifts and Vendor Allocations

    Malaysia initially launched its 5G deployment as a single wholesale network managed exclusively by Digital Nasional Bhd anchored by Ericsson equipment. Political debate over monopoly risks and vendor access subsequently pushed authorities to approve a second commercial wholesale network.

    Parliamentary debate accelerated on October 22 when Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal pressed the government to maintain balance between Western and Chinese technology systems across the country’s dual grid.

    The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has yet to publish the explicit regulatory conditions and compliance penalties that will govern future vendor transitions across either licensed network operator.

  • Tencent Cloud and U Mobile Partner on Enterprise 5G and AI in Malaysia

    Tencent Cloud and U Mobile Partner on Enterprise 5G and AI in Malaysia

    Tencent Cloud signed a preliminary pact with Malaysian carrier U Mobile on September 15 to build enterprise artificial intelligence tools on the carrier’s 5G network. It is Tencent Cloud’s first direct AI partnership with a telecom operator in Malaysia.

    Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will run joint development projects through U Mobile’s Enterprise Innovation Platform. The facility links Tencent Cloud’s AI processing infrastructure with U Mobile’s ULTRA5G mobile network. Both groups plan to test software tools for corporate clients and small to medium-sized enterprises. Commercial rollout across Southeast Asia will follow.

    How the platform pipeline operates

    The joint programme runs across three stages: build, test, and demonstrate. Technical teams from both companies will hold engineering workshops and conduct pilot shows. They will also open testing environments to software developers, academic researchers, and startups.

    Engineers will focus on system integration, automated workflows, network security, and data handling. U Mobile plans to use the trials to identify enterprise use cases. These can convert into paying commercial contracts once network validation wraps up.

    At U Mobile, we are focused on using our next-gen 5G network to enable innovation that delivers real value to businesses. Our partnership with Tencent Cloud strengthens this by bringing together 5G, AI and cloud technologies to explore new applications across industries.

    Carriers compete for enterprise AI workloads

    Southeast Asian telecom operators face flat consumer mobile revenue and rising capital spending on network rollouts. Partnering with Chinese hyperscalers gives local carriers ready-made enterprise software suites without funding research from scratch. For Tencent Cloud, tying algorithms directly to local carrier data pipes secures access to corporate clients. Rivals Alibaba Cloud and Huawei Cloud are already pursuing those accounts in Kuala Lumpur.

    This structure shifts the capital burden. U Mobile provides the radio access network and corporate client relationships. Tencent Cloud supplies model architectures and compute tools. The setup reduces upfront overhead for the carrier, though long-term margins will depend on how the partners split software licensing fees.

    SME adoption presents commercial hurdle

    Small and medium-sized enterprises make up the bulk of Malaysia’s business sector, but smaller firms frequently delay advanced tech spending. High transition costs and complex integration cycles often stall digital transformation plans before software reaches production.

    Both partners target this friction by building pre-tested tools for specific operational bottlenecks. If pilot programs fail to show measurable efficiency gains or clear cost cuts within six months, enterprise uptake will lag. Network capacity would then sit underutilised.

    Deployment pathway and next steps

    Earlier carrier partnerships in the market centered strictly on data connectivity and basic cloud hosting rather than integrated AI tooling. The current project follows U Mobile’s rollout of its commercial ULTRA5G network infrastructure across high-density Malaysian business districts.

    Joint technical workshops with selected enterprise partners begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The initial batch of commercial pilot deployments across retail, logistics, and manufacturing sectors will head for review by mid-2027.

  • U Mobile Unveils ULTRA5G: A Game-Changer for Malaysia’s 5G Experience!

    U Mobile Unveils ULTRA5G: A Game-Changer for Malaysia’s 5G Experience!

    U Mobile has officially unveiled ULTRA5G, the new moniker for its 5G service, during a launch event at its headquarters in Berjaya Times Square (BTS). This catchy name not only captures the essence of the ultra-fast speeds and extensive coverage that U Mobile aims to provide, but it also reassures users who will now see the ULTRA5G indicator lighting up their devices, a direct result of the company’s ambitious in-building coverage (IBC) initiative.

    Redefining Connectivity Through Advanced Technology

    This advancement marks a pivotal moment in U Mobile’s mission to deliver robust 5G access in both indoor and outdoor spaces across Malaysia. ULTRA5G relies on cutting-edge, enterprise-grade network technology, ready to adapt to the evolving digital landscape of the nation.

    A Roller Coaster of Experience

    To showcase ULTRA5G’s capabilities, U Mobile orchestrated groundbreaking events, including Malaysia’s first-ever 4K livestream of an 800-meter indoor roller coaster ride at Berjaya Times Square Theme Park—boasting the title of Asia’s longest multi-inverted indoor ride. As thrill-seekers zipped around at speeds of 70 km/h, ULTRA5G effortlessly maintained a seamless connection, making the livestream an exhilarating testament to the network’s extensive reliability.

    The excitement didn’t stop there. U Mobile also introduced an engaging mixed-reality experience alongside a demonstration of 5G network slicing, emphasizing both performance and diverse service offerings. If you thought roller coasters were just for an adrenaline rush, think again—this one was a high-speed communications race too.

    Empowering the Future with 5G

    Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile, expressed pride in the launch, stating, “U Mobile is proud to launch ULTRA5G, our brand new name for our 5G experience that is supported by our next-gen network. As the nation’s newest 5G network provider, U Mobile is focused on enabling digital transformation for consumers and businesses alike. ULTRA5G brings enhanced digital experiences, from ultra-reliable streaming and immersive gaming to high-quality video calls in crowded areas. For enterprises, ULTRA5G opens doors to advanced use cases like XR (extended reality), robotics, smart cities, and IR 4.0 automation. With deployment ahead of schedule, U Mobile is also doubling down on indoor coverage to ensure the widest and deepest 5G experience in Malaysia.”

    Aiming for Widespread Accessibility

    ULTRA5G isn’t confined to BTS; the 5G network has also made strides at Penang Bridge 1, utilizing just two towers to provide uninterrupted connectivity for daily commuters. This event signifies the much-anticipated rollout of U Mobile’s next-generation 5G network, with aspirations for 80% coverage of populated areas (CoPA) by the second half of 2026.

    U Mobile promises to keep the public informed about ULTRA5G’s expansion, which is set to quicken in critical locales such as airports, hospitals, convention centers, and other significant venues across the country. This initiative aligns perfectly with the company’s vision of establishing Malaysia’s most comprehensive and trustworthy 5G network.

    Questions & Answers

    What is ULTRA5G?
    ULTRA5G is U Mobile’s branding for its 5G service, emphasizing ultra-fast speeds, reliable connectivity, and extensive coverage.

    How did U Mobile demonstrate the capabilities of its ULTRA5G network?
    They showcased Malaysia’s first 4K livestream of an indoor roller coaster ride, ensuring a seamless connection throughout the ride’s duration at 70 km/h.

    What are U Mobile’s plans for ULTRA5G coverage?
    U Mobile aims to achieve 80% coverage of populated areas by the second half of 2026 and will focus on key locations such as airports and hospitals for rapid deployment.

  • U Mobile Teams Up with OCK to Launch Exciting 5G IBC Partnership!

    U Mobile Teams Up with OCK to Launch Exciting 5G IBC Partnership!

    U Mobile has announced an exciting partnership with OCK Telco Infra Sdn Bhd, a fully owned subsidiary of OCK Group Berhad, designed to accelerate its nationwide 5G rollout. With a newly inked memorandum of understanding (MoU), OCK is set to become one of U Mobile’s preferred infrastructure partners for 5G in-building coverage (IBC), perfectly aligning with U Mobile’s mission to provide high-performance connectivity in indoor and high-traffic environments.

    Empowering Connectivity

    “U Mobile is thrilled to welcome OCK as a key player in our 5G deployment journey,” stated Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile. “This collaboration enhances our capacity to deliver reliable, ultra-fast connectivity, particularly in indoor and densely populated areas. OCK will be instrumental in helping us achieve our ambitious goal of 80% CoPA by July 2026.”

    Tailored Solutions for the Future

    The agreement paves the way for both companies to create site-specific IBC solutions that prioritize ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and a seamless user experience. Together, they will also delve into next-generation technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart city solutions. Who knows? Maybe one day, your fridge will remind you to buy milk as you stroll through the mall!

    A Vision for Digital Transformation

    Datuk Wira Sam Ooi Chin Khoon, Group Managing Director of OCK, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are truly honored to collaborate with U Mobile on this strategic endeavor, underscoring our commitment to supporting Malaysia’s digital transformation. By combining our unique strengths, we aim to drive the deployment of 5G infrastructure, unlocking new industries, empowering local businesses, and improving community livelihoods across the nation.”

    The MoU signing ceremony took place at U Mobile’s corporate headquarters, with Woon Ooi Yuen and Datuk David Low Hock Keong, Group CEO of OCK, officiating the event in the presence of Wong Heang Tuck, CEO of U Mobile, and Datuk Wira Sam Ooi Chin Khoon.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the focus of the partnership between U Mobile and OCK Telco Infra?
    The partnership aims to enhance U Mobile’s 5G in-building coverage, ensuring reliable connectivity in indoor and high-traffic environments.

    What technologies will be explored under this collaboration?
    The companies will investigate next-generation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and smart city systems.

    When is U Mobile aiming to achieve its 80% CoPA goal?
    U Mobile has set a target of reaching its 80% CoPA by July 2026 as part of its strategic expansion of 5G services.

  • U Mobile, CIMB Sign MoU to Support 5G Network Rollout

    U Mobile, CIMB Sign MoU to Support 5G Network Rollout

    U Mobile CEO, Wong Heang Tuck, highlighted the company’s enthusiasm for this strategic partnership with CIMB for the 5G rollout, emphasizing CIMB’s shared commitment to innovation and digital growth. He noted that the financial support would enable a fast, cost-effective deployment, benefiting businesses, consumers, and the public sector.

    Chu Kok Wei, CEO of Group Wholesale Banking, CIMB Group, said, “In line with our shared goal of nation building, CIMB is pleased to support U Mobile in its efforts to connect Malaysians and spur digital innovation through the power of 5G. CIMB is also ready to offer a holistic range of bespoke products and services apart from financing, extending to diverse areas including investment banking and treasury that will spark further innovation and accelerate growth both for U Mobile and Malaysia.”

    Both Tuck and Wei signed the MoU at U Mobile’s Corporate Offices in Berjaya Times Square. The ceremony was attended by U Mobile CFO, Sandy Tsang, and Denise Wong, Head of Corporate Coverage Malaysia at CIMB Group.

    This MoU builds on a longstanding financial relationship between the two companies, including CIMB’s participation in a MYR 1.2 billion facility for U Mobile in 2021, which was increased to MYR 1.4 billion in 2023.

  • U Mobile showcases multiple 5G use cases for various sectors

    U Mobile showcases multiple 5G use cases for various sectors

    With 5G commercial roll-out anticipated in Q3 2020, it will open opportunities for the adoption of advanced technologies in many verticals like digital healthcare and tourism. U Mobile has worked hard to explore ways in which 5G may benefit Malaysians through its use in various verticals. In total, five ‘live’ use cases are being showcased in Langkawi in conjunction with the 5G Demonstration Projects, organized by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. In December 2019, U Mobile showcased how 5G connectivity will power remote GP consultation via DOCpod by DoctorOnCall. The telco also showcased the speed of their 5G network, which achieved speeds of 1.2 gbps. Over the weekend, U Mobile showcased more 5G live use cases: remote consultation with MEDCOM, virtual reality (VR) multiplayer gaming and VR tourism.

    Woon Ooi Yuen, U Mobile’s CTO, shared that the telco remains resolute in exploring the unlimited potential of 5G and how it can benefit Malaysians when 5G becomes commercially available. “We are excited by the unlimited potential of 5G in progressing humanity. These use cases yield important findings that allow us to continue to disrupt the market with many services ready for roll out once 5G becomes commercially available. With 5G connectivity, geographical and socio-economic barriers can be removed and Malaysians can reap its maximum benefits together with us.”

    For the first use case, U Mobile partnered MEDCOM to offer remote consultation in hospitals. MEDCOM is a 5G-enabled telemedicine device that enables doctors to offer consultation to patients remotely. The device is portable making it easy for use and despite its portability, it is able to provide real-time, high-quality, and ultra-reliable clinical, physiological, and diagnostic information for doctors to make decision from a distance.

    The second use case saw U Mobile partner with HTV Vive to showcase how 5G may transport users into an exciting and engaging world of Virtual Tourism, where one can go on an immersive journey and experience their destination remotely.

    For the third use case, U Mobile collaborated once again with HTV Vive to showcase the power of 5G in VR gaming experience with the game, Front Defence. Woon Ooi Yuen demonstrates how 5G elevates any gamers experience as it has a clearer, more defined picture and gamers are able to immerse themselves in a rich, lag-free multiplayer world for an enhanced entertainment experience.

    The fourth 5G use case saw U Mobile join forces with DoctorOnCall offering remote GP consultation. DoctorOnCall’s DOCpod is Malaysia’s first online medical video-consultation platform that combines advanced video and voice technologies with the medical knowledge and experience of Malaysia’s top doctors. Finally, the fifth use case highlighted fixed wireless access (FWA).

    During the demonstration, Woon also emphasized that U Mobile will roll out more ‘live’ use cases benefiting verticals like smart manufacturing and education. U Mobile will share regular updates as these use cases bring the unlimited potential of 5G to reality and will also progress humanity.

  • U Mobile contracts Nokia for Single RAN deployment

    U Mobile contracts Nokia for Single RAN deployment

    Malaysia’s U Mobile has contracted Nokia to help the operator expand the delivery of mobile data services across the nation.

    Under the three year agreement, U Mobile will deploy a Nokia Single RAN network at greenfield locations across Malaysia, as well as microwave and IP-based mobile transport technologies.

    The deployment will enable U Mobile to end its reliance on RAN sharing agreements by extending its own footprint across Malaysia.

    Both companies also plan to collaborate on a live 5G network trial later this year aimed at demonstrating enhanced mobile broadband capabilities, as well as 5G use cases such as VR streaming and e-sports.

    “U Mobile has been aggressively expanding our network across Malaysia in our drive to bring our customers a superior experience. We are delighted to be able to leverage on Nokia’s expertise in our network expansion journey,” U Mobile CTO Woon Ooi Yuen said.

    “We are of course also looking forward to working with Nokia as part of our Road To 5G Strategy. We have in our plan to conduct several 5G live trials with Nokia later this year for various use cases. Currently, we already have in place Nokia’s AirScale base stations which are 5G-ready and hence, ready for trials.”

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  • U Mobile inks RM1 billion credit facility with UOB Malaysia

    U Mobile inks RM1 billion credit facility with UOB Malaysia

    U Mobile Sdn Bhd has inked a three-year RM1 billion term loan credit facility with United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) to fund its various capital expenditure programmes, including the company’s network expansion and enhancement goals across the country.

    U Mobile CEO Wong Heang Tuck said the RM1 billion credit facility agreement is one of the largest to be signed in this country to date and this reflects the bank’s vote of confidence in U Mobile’s credit quality and business fundamentals.

    “The fresh injection also means we are able to expedite our network strategy and customers will soon enjoy much better experience throughout the whole of Malaysia.”

    He added that the agreement, apart from enabling U Mobile to build a financial track record, affirms the company’s position as a credible challenger in the telco landscape.

    Over the past few years, the company has enjoyed traction in the industry and its subscriber base crossed the 6 million mark at the end of last year.

    U Mobile’s rising popularity in Malaysia also enabled the telco to become ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation & amortisation) positive mid last year, highlighting the company’s improving financial health.

    As at Dec 31, 2017, U Mobile’s shareholders have invested over RM4 billion in the business. With the RM1 billion loan from the commercial bank, U Mobile would be investing over RM5 billion in its network infrastructure, aggressively expanding its network footprint nationwide as well as enhancing customers’ mobile experience.

    The investment will also accelerate the telco’s growth ambitions, reinforcing its position as a serious industry contender. The network infrastructure upgrade is also a critical foundation to U Mobile’s expanding suite of mobile digital services, which spans from telco-assurance to payments.