5G subscriptions in Malaysia will represent 74.5 percent share of total mobile subscriptions in 2028, GlobalData forecasts.
The monthly mobile data usage in Malaysia is expected to increase from 18.9 GB in 2023 to 44.9 GB in 2028. The growth driver for enhancing mobile data usage in Malaysia is the consumption of online video and social media content over 5G and 4G smartphones.
5G-service adoption in Malaysia is set to increase over the forecast period driven by the consumer demand for high-speed connectivity and the ongoing 5G network expansions by the government and major telecom operators.
Malaysia government revealed plans to expand 5G coverage to about 85 percent of rural population across the country by 2024-end.
The total mobile service revenue in Malaysia is poised to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2 percent from $5.2 billion in 2023 to $6.1 billion in 2028, supported by growth in mobile data service revenues.
Mobile voice service revenue in Malaysia will decline at a CAGR of 1.7 percent between 2023 and 2028 due to consumer shift towards OTT communication platforms and subsequent decline in mobile voice ARPU.
Mobile data revenue in Malaysia will increase at a CAGR of 5.1 percent over the same period, driven by the continued rise in mobile internet subscriptions, growing adoption of 5G services and an increase in mobile data average revenue per user (ARPU) over the forecast period.
CelcomDigi
CelcomDigi led the mobile services market in Malaysia in terms of mobile subscriptions in 2023, followed by Maxis. CelcomDigi completed 35 percent of its network integration and modernisation target, ahead of its initial plan of 30 percent by end 2023.
CelcomDigi modernised over 5,600 sites as of December 2023, enabling customers in post-consolidation areas to enjoy improved download speeds by between 20 percent and 26 percent, and better signal strength by between 13 percent and 16 percent.
CelcomDigi’s 4G LTE and 4G LTE+ network coverage grew to 97 percent and 91 percent of populated areas nationwide respectively.
In the quarter, CelcomDigi invested RM1,010 million in capital expenditure, bringing total Capex to RM1.75 billion, translating into a capex intensity of 13.8 percent in FY2023. CelcomDigi managed to optimise Capex efficiencies while pushing ahead on prioritised network and IT integration initiatives in Malaysia.
CelcomDigi will retain its leading position through to 2028, supported by its focus on 5G and 4G LTE network expansions in Malaysia and its various affordable prepaid and postpaid plans with unlimited calls and data allowances.
Maxis
Maxis has reported Capex of RM813 million in fiscal 2023 with a focus on optimal investment to support capacity growth, fibre build and digitalisation. Maxis made investment selectively in key areas, including its regional internet hubs in Sabah and Sarawak during the year.
Maxis said its service revenue grew 2.8 percent to RM8,572 million driven by growth in consumer mobile and fibre.
Maxis said its consumer business grew 3.7 percent, surpassing the RM7 billion service revenue mark for the year. Postpaid revenue increased 7.5 percent in line with subscriber growth. Maxis says home broadband subscribers grew to 750,000 households, supported by strong fibre broadband uptake.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
