PETALING JAYA: U Mobile Sdn Bhd now takes a clear lead in 5G and overall download speed.
CIMB Research said this in a report, adding that results for coverage and application experience are more mixed.
“We also expect Digital Nasional Bhd’s (DNB) 5G network to improve in the next 12 months as it deploys an extra 100 megahertz.
“Still, we see U Mobile gaining more revenue market share in the coming years.
“On the positive side for peers, we think U Mobile will be supportive of market repair, given its financial state.”
It said based on Opensignal’s Mobile Network Experience report for April to June, U Mobile’s 5G download speed has improved significantly to 280 megabits per second or Mbps to take a clear lead, outpacing CelcomDigi Bhd
, Maxis Bhd, and Unifi Mobile. U Mobile also ranked first for best overall download speed (107 Mbps), thanks to having the highest 5G availability score.
CIMB Research said U Mobile’s own 5G network population coverage rose from 58% at end-October 2025 to 85% in July, with a target to reach 90% in financial year 2027 (FY27) and 95% in FY28.
U Mobile has fully migrated all subscribers to its own 5G network ahead of the exit from its wholesale access agreement with DNB, effective July 1.
CIMB Research said for overall and 5G video experience, Unifi came in first, riding on DNB’s 5G network and Maxis’ 4G network. U Mobile ranked second, followed by CelcomDigi and Maxis.
“Notably, the difference in scores between first and fourth place was only 8% for overall experience, and 3% for 5G video experience,” said CIMB Research.
It noted Unifi led again in overall games experience (a reflection of network latency), though CelcomDigi edged it out for first place in 5G games experience.
“Again, the difference in scores between first and fourth place was only 3% overall, and 2% for 5G games experience. For overall coverage experience, CelcomDigi ranked first, while Maxis took second place.
“Here, there is a significant gap between CelcomDigi and Maxis versus U Mobile and Unifi, likely attributable to the difference in 4G coverage.”
Meanwhile, U Mobile leaped from fourth to first place for consistent quality, it said.
CIMB Research said driven by U Mobile’s improving network position and pricing strategy, it expects the company to continue gaining around one percentage point of revenue market share per annum over the coming years.
“On the positive side for its peers, we believe U Mobile will be supportive of market repair (while maintaining its relative pricing to CelcomDigi and Maxis), given its net losses and high gearing levels.”
CIMB Research has kept an “overweight” call on the telecommunications sector.
