'U Mobile is looking forward to Huawei and ZTE playing a critical role in bringing a Next Gen 5G network that is enterprise-grade to Malaysians rapidly,' Woon said. — ART CHEN/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: U Mobile is targeting 80% coverage of populated areas (COPA) with its rollout of the nation's second 5G network within the first 12 months of rollout.
The telco also targets 90% 5G COPA in the next 12 months following the initial rollout, with the network utilising 5G-Advance from initial deployment.
This was said by U Mobile chairman, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, during a partner signing ceremony with Huawei and ZTE in Putrajaya today (April 15).
Both vendors will serve as the telco's partners for the new 5G standalone network rollout, with Huawei acting as the technology partner for the West Malaysia deployment and ZTE for East Malaysia.
The network's deployment will also be conducted simultaneously nationwide to achieve the targeted COPA, according to U Mobile chief executive officer, Wong Heang Tuck, in the press conference following the signing.
According to Tan, the decision to engage with both 5G providers as partners followed a stringent network vendor selection process to ensure the best-suited providers were chosen, with their proven global track record and advanced technologies and solutions being key factors in their selection.
Tan further says that the new 5G network will be enterprise-grade to help drive the nation's digital economy ambitions.
"To date, the company has invested over RM8bil for network and technological-related infrastructure.
"We are committed to continuing further investment on the pursuit of building a best-in-class next-gen 5G network," he said.
U Mobile chief technology officer, Woon Ooi Yeun added: "U Mobile is looking forward to Huawei and ZTE playing a critical role in bringing a Next Gen 5G network that is enterprise-grade to Malaysians rapidly."
"Apart from their global technology track record, they have also shared a vision for an efficient and rapid rollout."
The deployment will also engage local fibre providers, tower companies, and local contractors and suppliers to expedite its development, according to the telco.
The signing was witnessed by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and China's Party Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Li Lecheng.
