U Mobile picks EdgePoint as preferred 5G IBC partner for upcoming rollout

U Mobile has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with EdgePoint Infrastructure (EdgePoint), taking the ASEAN-based telecommunications infrastructure company on as its preferred 5G in-building coverage (IBC) infrastructure partner, viewed as a critical role in accelerating U Mobile's upcoming 5G rollout in Malaysia.

Under the partnership, both parties will work closely on the development and deployment of 5G IBC solutions, tailored to each site, enhancing network performance and user experience, U Mobile said in a statement seen by A+M.

Don't miss: U Mobile gets official greenlight to rollout second 5G network

Additionally, both parties will collaborate to deliver a cost effective and rapid rollout, and will also identify opportunities for future expansion and innovation in 5G IBC solutions. "This collaboration aims to accelerate the rollout of 5G technology, ensuring seamless connectivity and coverage across key locations, while addressing the evolving needs of both consumers and businesses," the statement read.

The partnership will also involve U Mobile and EdgePoint collaborating on solutions for connectivity enhancement, resulting in faster data speeds, ultra-low latency, and seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies and applications like artificial intelligence (AI), smart cities and autonomous systems.

Woon Ooi Yuen, chief technology officer for U Mobile said, “As Malaysia’s next gen 5G network provider, we are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable and ultra-fast 5G services to consumers and businesses, be it indoor or outdoor, especially in high-traffic areas and commercial centres, so that all Malaysians may thrive in a digital economy."

"Our partnership with EdgePoint also underscores our commitment to accelerate 5G adoption and innovation, by ensuring reliable connectivity that will support AI-driven automation, IoT-enabled buildings and more,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Muniff Kamaruddin, chief executive officer of EdgePoint Towers said “Collaborating with U Mobile to accelerate the 5G rollout in Malaysia is the next natural step in our ongoing fruitful partnership. Over the years, we have consistently worked together to enhance connectivity across the country, and this new phase of collaboration allows us to take that effort to the next level."

He further added, "We are excited to continue strengthening our partnership with U Mobile and ensure seamless 5G connectivity not only throughout Peninsular Malaysia but also in East Malaysia. By leveraging our cutting-edge In-Building Coverage (IBC) solutions, we are committed to enhancing indoor connectivity, addressing the growing demand for high-quality, reliable networks in buildings."

Muniff also said that the collaboration will enable Malaysians to fully experience the transformative potential of 5G technology, ultimately driving economic growth, improving efficiency, and fostering innovation in both business and everyday life.

Founded in 2020, EdgePoint is backed by US-listed digital infrastructure investment firm DigitalBridge Group, as well as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and International Finance Corporation (IFC). DigitalBridge manages over US$80 billion in assets, including cell towers, data centres, fibre networks, and edge infrastructure.

According to its website, EdgePoint partnered up with Sunway Group earlier this year to deploy Malaysia's first indoor 5G network in a commercial building, at Sunway Pyramid Mall. Separately, the company currently has about 15,800 towers across Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Soya Cincau reported that U Mobile had already signed an MoU with EdgePoint back in July 2024 to collaborate and developed a streamlined process to drive efficiency in 5G site infrastructure rollout with three other network facillity providers (NFP). This newly announced partnership from this week, is more specific to 5G IBC solutions.

Just last week, U Mobile received the official letter of award from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for the deployment of the second 5G network in the country. 

U Mobile won the bid to become Malaysia’s second 5G network provider in November last year, ahead of CelcomDigi and Maxis. This subsequently led to the termination of its single wholesale network model led by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), in January this year.

As the second 5G network provider, U Mobile will be able to collaborate with other ecosystem partners subject to MCMC approval. Similarly, penalties will be imposed on U Mobile should there be non-compliance, said the MCMC.

Join us this coming 21 May for #Content360, an extravaganza centered around three core thematic pillars: Challenging the norm; Conquering Media Fragmentation; and Unlocking Imagination. Immerse yourself in learning to curate content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence with us at Content360!   

Related articles: 
U Mobile releases statement amidst concerns around winning 5G network bid
U Mobile picked as Malaysia's second 5G provider due to multiple factors, says MCMC 
Maxis partners Singtel for Malaysia's first all-in-one 5G network platform