Celcom network modernisation nationwide with latest 4G technology, service downtime expected

Following a network agreement signed with Ericsson Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd in April 2016, Celcom Axiata Berhad announced a major network modernisation exercise starting in Klang Valley that will take place over a period of 4 months.

The mobile Telco said that it is set to intensify and enhance its 4G network, with scheduled replacement of network equipment at all Klang Valley sites, for a period of 4 months starting 17 June. During this period, Celcom customers may experience weaker connections or service interruptions between 10am-5pm. In some instances, there may even be zero coverage. “While this situation is unavoidable, we have put in place contingencies and solutions to minimise these interruptions,” the Telco said.

“You can be rest assured that our dedicated team of network engineers and technicians will be working round-the-clock and throughout the Ramadan and Raya period to complete the works. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience while we work on building the most advanced 4G network in Malaysia,” Celcom said on its website.

To ensure service downtime are minimal, Celcom said it will also be placing temporary “Cells on Wheels” (outdoor) and femtocells (indoor) that will serve as a replacement network hub at designated sites to ensure that affected customers will only experience minimal intermittent service degradations.

In phases, over 4,600 communication tower sites nationwide will be modernised to the latest 4G technology, equipment and software.

The exercise will also impact all Celcom’s Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) including the subscribers of Tune Talk, Merchantrade, XOX, Altel and redONE.

Recently, Celcom announced Ericsson Malaysia and Huawei Technologies as its main network partners that will integrate, deploy and manage its 4G LTE network developments. Both partners will be servicing Celcom Axiata’s Radio Access Network (RAN).

The exercise is part of the allocated RM1.8 billion to RM2.2 billion over 5 years. It is also part of Celcom Axiata’s preparation to enhance the network to 4.5G in the near future as well as providing the base layer for the future 5G network. Celcom Axiata said it is committed to meet the government’s requirement of achieving 95% LTE population penetration by 2020.

Celcom’s latest network modernisation schedule:

The modernisation schedule will be updated every Friday, and customers can view it on the Celcom website at this link.

Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly, Chief Executive Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad said in realising the importance of having the “greatest network coverage with an ultrafast 4G LTE connectivity” within the digital age, Celcom Axiata has heard the demands of its customers and pushes forward to bring the best 4G network quality and experience.

“With a strong growth in data subscribers today, Celcom Axiata has heard the demands of its customers loud and clear, and we take this step in acknowledgement to meet their requests for superior network quality and enhanced internet experience.

“To ensure that Celcom Axiata becomes the nation’s most-trusted company by 2020, we are being transparent to our customers by providing them weekly schedule updates of the on-going modernisation exercise which can be found on Celcom Axiata’s official website,” he said.

“We seek the understanding and patience of our customers and humbly request for them to bear with us as we undergo the exercise which may cause a temporary inconvenience for them. We will also hold ourselves accountable to perform all network modernisation works as quickly and seamless as we can,” Shazalli added.