Celcom and Maxis: Shared 5G network a success, hit speeds above 1Gbps

​​​​​​​Both Celcom and Maxis claimed they could quickly extend their 5G coverage in Langkawi by leveraging each other's existing 5G sites, demonstrating the feasibility of 5G infrastructure sharing to accelerate commercial rollout. — Maxis

Telcos Celcom Axiata Bhd and Maxis Bhd said they had succeeded in tests to share a 5G network, allowing their respective customers to use the same network at speeds of more than 1.1Gbps.

In a press release, both companies claimed that the 5G Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) trial conducted in Langkawi, Kedah was the first successful test done in South-East Asia.

MOCN allows two networks to share the same Radio Active Network (RAN), so users from different telcos can obtain a signal using the same infrastructure.

The trial consisted of a Maxis 5G site at Seaview Hotel in Kuah and a Celcom 5G site at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.

Testers from each telco were able to get a signal at the other telco’s site, as if they were on their native network.

Celcom chief executive officer Idham Nawawi said the successful trial demonstrates the viability of coordinated 5G deployment.

“We are adamant to collaborate for the best practices to build the best 5G network at the lowest cost possible and prevent duplication of infrastructure while improvements on 4G networks are ongoing,” he said in a press release.

Maxis CEO Gokhan Ogut said the company is looking forward to reaping the benefits of network sharing, which would allow more investment in services for customers.

The telcos stated they are planning to conduct further active RAN sharing trials using 5G Standalone network by the first quarter of this year.