U Mobile, a Malaysian mobile data service provider, has announced that it will collaborate with Chinese technology giants Huawei Technologies and ZTE to deploy Malaysia’s second 5G network.
This move comes in the context of Malaysia’s strategy to transition to a dual network model, a significant step in dismantling the monopolistic control over the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. The government’s decision to embrace a dual network system was made public in May 2023, and it aims to introduce more competition in the sector.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, speaking in September 2023, emphasized that the introduction of a second 5G network would enhance the country’s technological landscape by enabling Huawei’s involvement, Reuters news report said. The move seeks to create a more balanced participation between Western and Eastern technology providers, despite ongoing security concerns raised by some Western nations regarding Chinese technology companies.
U Mobile’s decision to select Huawei and ZTE as its infrastructure partners stems from the companies’ extensive global experience in deploying telecommunications networks. Woon Ooi Yuen is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of U Mobile.
U Mobile’s Chairman, Vincent Tan, highlighted their proven track record in the field, making them reliable choices for the rollout. The responsibility for the deployment is split between the two companies, with Huawei handling the 5G network infrastructure in Peninsular Malaysia, while ZTE will oversee the rollout in East Malaysia. The exact value of the deal between U Mobile, Huawei, and ZTE has not been disclosed.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
