01 Nov 2022

TM launches first phase of 5G services for unifi mobile customers and businesses

TM launches first phase of 5G services for unifi mobile customers and businesses Article Header
TM
UNIFI

Strengthening Unifi’s fixed-mobile convergence offering, TM aims to deliver seamless 5G transition and spur Malaysia’s 5G adoption and digital capabilities

​Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) is uniquely positioned to accelerate Malaysia’s 5G adoption, as the Group leverages its convergence leadership in delivering seamless fixed and mobile services to customers and businesses.

Following the signing of DNB’s Access Agreement on 30 October 2022, TM launched the first phase of its 5G services today, offering unlimited 5G data to existing Unifi Mobile Postpaid customers, as well as new Postpaid and Prepaid customers.

“DNB’s Access Agreement provides a level playing field for telcos to access the single 5G network equally, to deliver a wider range of innovative services,” said Imri Mokhtar, TM’s Group CEO.

“Leveraging this equal entry into 5G plus our current suite of connectivity and digital solutions, TM will be better placed to drive innovation and digital transformation at a national level, aligning with key digital programmes such as JENDELA and MyDigital to competitively position Malaysia as a technology hub.”  

“5G will reinforce TM’s leadership in fixed-mobile converged services for our consumer and MSME segments, strengthening our mobile capabilities to provide the widest and fastest all-in-one solution for fixed broadband, mobile service and digital content that meets today’s digital lifestyles and workstyles,” Imri added.

Acknowledging that one of the critical factors in 5G adoption is the willingness of customers to purchase new 5G-enabled devices, Unifi Mobile will also offer bundled 5G service-and-device plans, catering to a range of price points to ensure customer affordability from all backgrounds.

With 5G currently covering more than 33% of populated areas throughout Malaysia, this first phase is key to grow TM’s reach and presents the opportunity for a new push in Unifi’s convergence play, riding on its strength of 3 million households and close to 400,000 MSME customers. 5G will also strengthen Unifi’s proposition as a preferred digital partner for MSMEs, to provide complete one-stop services to accelerate their business growth.

Additionally, via TM One, its enterprise and Government sector arm, TM recently launched its 5G Sphere, a circle of leading technology and smart solution partners to form an ecosystem that will accelerate the co-creation of 5G innovative use-cases, taking enterprise 5G transformation from ideation to realisation. To date, there are 39 partners in this programme. TM’s nation-building efforts with the Government will also speed-up the availability of smart city, smart industry and 5G-enabled applications, creating a more sustainable and inclusive digital society and economy.

Simultaneously, TM continues to modernise the country’s fibre network architecture, integrating automation and virtualisation technologies to boost back-end infrastructures that will support the anticipated demand for 5G services and capabilities.

Ahead of this commercial launch, TM took strides to ramp up its 5G capabilities to grow its mobile and fixed-mobile convergence position, having recently appointed a seasoned industry leader, Jasmine Lee, as its Executive Vice President, Mobile and Chief Executive Officer of webe, as well as onboarding senior mobile talents to strengthen its innovation and competitiveness.

“As we transform to become a human-centred TechCo, TM’s 5G commitment goes beyond connectivity to enabling our interconnected society reshape the way we live and work. We recognise the value that this next-gen technology will bring to communities, businesses and the Government, and will continue to explore new ways to make 5G and digital progress accessible to all,” Imri concluded.

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25 May 2023
TM Records a Promising 1Q2023 Performance with 2.0% Revenue Growth; Continues to Strengthen its Core Business

1Q2023 Key Highlights (vs 1Q2022)   ·        Operating Revenue grew 2.0% from RM2.89 billion to RM2.95 billion, with continuous growth across Unifi and TM Global ·        EBIT decreased 15.5% from RM560.4 million to RM473.3 million, following accelerated depreciation and impairment ·        PATAMI lower 2.9% from RM339.9 million to RM330.1 million, lower EBIT cushioned by lower net finance cost and effective tax rate ·        CAPEX investment stood at 14.0% of revenue or RM413.1 million, heavily attributed to fibre network expansion   Amidst the challenges for the year, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) achieved a steady and promising performance in the first quarter that ended on 31 March 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year (YoY).   Operating revenue grew 2.0% to RM2.95 billion, from RM2.89 billion in 2022, driven by Unifi and TM Global. TM saw an increase in customers with Unifi now serving close to 3.5 million home and MSME customers, TM One catering to 8,800 businesses, and TM Global serving more than 700 local and regional customers.   Its reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is lower 15.5% to RM473.3 million, from RM560.4 million, following the Group’s decision to accelerate depreciation and impairment of IT assets, due to changes in market conditions.   Profit After Tax and Minority Interest (PATAMI) decreased 2.9% to RM330.1 million from RM339.9 million. Lower net finance cost and lower effective tax rate from the recognition of deferred tax assets mitigated the impact of the lower EBIT on the Group’s overall profitability.   Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) stood at 14.0% of overall revenue, or RM413.1 million. A significant portion of this investment was dedicated to fortifying its fibre infrastructure, delivering new customer acquisition, international subsea cables investment and 5G fibre network deployment to meet Government’s target of 80% coverage by year end.   Unifi sustaining growth trajectory   Unifi continues to deliver leadership in convergence service and solutions for both home and MSMEs customers. Unifi reported a 1Q2023 revenue growth of 4.3% from RM1.38 billion to RM1.44 billion contributed by both, growth in number of subscribers and average revenue per customer (ARPC).   Unifi fixed broadband subscription increased by 8.1% to 3.08 million propelled by aggressive sales, and promotions such as the 6-months complimentary speed upgrade offered to existing Unifi Home users and 7-days free viewing of all Unifi TV channels during Chinese New Year.   Unifi Mobile unveiled its latest offerings, the UNI5G prepaid and postpaid plans, which include complimentary 5G access for all current mobile subscribers. Additionally, Unifi introduced the Pakej Perpaduan Jalur Lebar Tetap (Home Internet) and Pakej Perpaduan Prabayar Mudah Alih (Prepaid Mobile) plans specifically designed for underserved communities, providing inclusive and ubiquitous connectivity for the community.   Unifi Business’ collaborative efforts with local government agencies have been instrumental in supporting MSMEs to digitally grow their businesses. As part of this initiative, Unifi Business launched a programme in Sabah that has resulted in a significant participation of local entrepreneurs.   TM One navigating challenging market and shifting demand   TM One recorded a 6.7% slowdown in revenue from RM773.7 million to RM721.9 million in the current quarter, largely due to the impact of price reduction and lower revenue from one-off customer projects.   The delivery of key projects across several industries shall set the pace for TM One in the coming quarters. TM One delivered a Private 5G solution to enable Smart Industry solutions and completed a hybrid cloud project that is instrumental to the IT backbone transformation of its customer. TM is also the only telco with a 100% completion record for the Point of Presence (POP) Phase 1 Project, successfully delivering 233 sites across the northern states, Sabah and Sarawak.   Building on the success of TM One 5G Sphere Partner Programme launched end of 2022 where more than 90 leading partners are registered today, TM One launched its Sandbox platform providing a secure and controlled environment for enterprise and Government customers with technology partners to co-create and commercialise innovative smart service solutions, which will propel their digitalisation and automation drive.   TM Global catalysing digital inclusivity   TM Global reported continuous growth in 1Q2023, with revenue increasing by 3.9% from RM625.1 million to RM649.2 million, contributed by higher data and data centre co-location services.   As the leading partner for High-Speed Broadband Access (HSBA), TM Global achieved the highest number of new installations in March, supporting collective industry growth throughout Malaysia. Additionally, close to 8,000 4G and 5G fiberisation site were deployed to meet the growing demands of industry players and enhance nationwide edge capabilities, further propelling national digital initiatives.   Internationally, TM Global secured deals from US-based hyperscaler and North Asia digital provider for its wholesale data centre solutions as well as a substantial deal from ASEAN telecommunication player for more than 10Tbps data requirement within this region. TM Global remains focused on positioning Malaysia as the preferred digital hub for the ASEAN region through its comprehensive and customised offerings for hyperscalers, global carriers and digital players.   Commentary and Outlook from Dato’ Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer   “2023 is expected to be a challenging year with changes in the regulatory landscape, heightened competition and other market structure changes. TM will continue strengthening its core business to be commercially sustainable as a Public Listed Company (PLC) whilst continuing to contribute to the nation’s growth via its role as a Government Linked Company (GLC).   “As the national connectivity and digital infrastructure provider, TM will continue to execute the fiberisation plan to support the Government’s National Digital Network (JENDELA) programmes as well as the 5G rollout nationwide.  TM looks forward to continue playing an active role in the 5G implementation, leveraging its nationwide fibre infrastructure, extensive digital platforms (data centres, edge nodes) and rollout experience.   “We remain steadfast as we enter the final year of our 2021-2023 Transformation Programme, and pursue the next wave of growth beyond 2023. In line with our journey to become a human-centred TechCo, we announced the launch of TM’s new HQ and Campus, located in Cyberjaya. The campus will serve as a catalyst for a new way of working that drives agility and flexibility through digital collaboration and hybrid work environment, propelling innovation among our employees, customers and partners.    “We will continue to advocate sustainability efforts and strive for progress. TM has released our first Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report, 2 years ahead of Bursa Malaysia’s 2025 requirement. The report focuses on increasing transparency around the financial implications of an organisations’ climate-related risks and opportunities.   “Though cautious with the overall outlook, we remain optimistic with the prospects of increased hyperconnectivity, continuous growth investments in connectivity and digitalisation across all customer segments. TM will continue to enable a Digital Malaysia by offering comprehensive suite of communication services and digital solutions benefitting communities, businesses and Government.”

05 Oct 2021
unifi business a boost for MSMEs as economic recovery gains momentum

unifi Business Solutions help MSMEs kick start their online businesses ​As the country's National Recovery Plan gathers pace, many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are ready to take advantage of the re-opening of economic sectors. In this respect, unifi has recently come up with solutions to help these businesses, many of which have transitioned seamlessly into the digital space post-COVID19 pandemic. In view of this, unifi is taking proactive steps to ensure that MSMEs can achieve business sustainability with its innovative offerings. This was made possible by partnering with proven technology partners and Government agencies that understand the needs of Malaysian businesses. With unifi Business Solutions, MSMEs can grow their businesses online and significantly boost sales and productivity at minimal costs through reliable high-speed Internet that comes with an array of tried-and-tested business solutions, including productivity and marketing tools. With solutions that suit the needs of current businesses, unifi Business Solutions have now established itself as the go-to platform for Malaysian MSMEs. This is attributed to its exceptional service, which includes swift, dependable nationwide support and sound, thought-out advice by its team of experienced consultants. For businesses venturing into the digital marketplace, they have the option of signing up with Digital Marketing Solutions where they can enhance their online presence by setting up a website, getting a business listing and securing more businesses with Facebook and Instagram ads. With cari@unifi Premium Listing, businesses are able to reach a wider customer base through postings listing and articles on unifi's cari@unifi marketplace platform. Productivity can be increased by signing up with Microsoft 365, where businesses can have real-time solutions to connect and collaborate anytime, anywhere. Understanding that new businesses might be overwhelmed with the digital marketplace maze, unifi Business, together with partners and Government agencies, offer free digital upskilling classes to MSMEs. Localised webinars by consultants and partners are held regularly to ensure that no businesses are left behind in the journey towards business digitalisation. In addition, all unifi business broadband and mobile customers will enjoy the benefits as a member of the unifi Business Club (uBC) where they will get access to relevant and current content at the uBC portal (https://ubc.unifi.com.my). Here, they can find content such as webinars, talk shows, live chats, events, business tips and articles that can help them navigate the business world. uBC members will also enjoy specialised financial assistance, productivity boosters, digital marketing platforms, tools and community engagement programmes that are tailored to a variety of business needs. Mohamad Yusman Ammeran, Head of SME Segment, unifi said with more economic sectors opening up, many MSMEs have embraced digitalisation to sustain and thrive, after a challenging period owing to the COVID-19 restrictions. "MSMEs form the backbone of our economy and Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and unifi are ever ready to help these enterprises get back on their feet, come back stronger and help accelerate the country's economic recovery," he said. Yusman added that under unifi's current campaign, MSMEs could enjoy up to 50% off savings or get an RM5,000 matching grant for each company, as part of the PEMULIH initiative announced by the Government in June 2021. To encourage sign-ups amongst MSMEs, unifi is also offering exciting prizes under its Sign Up & Drive Away contest. The prizes include nine (9) four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles during the contest period which will end on 31 December 2021. Other prizes include laptops, smartphones and computer tablets. So far, five (5) 4WD vehicles have been won, including by the latest winners, Zainun Ngah Enterprise and GAP Empire Trading, both of which are in the retail sector. Speaking at the prize giving event to the latest winners recently, Yusman said: "This is an excellent opportunity for local MSMEs to increase their productivity while reducing their operating cost, and at the same time, stand to win exciting prizes. We believe these offerings will help our customers bounce back stronger and help grow the Malaysian economy. We hope they see unifi Business not just as a service provider, but as an integral partner of their business journey." "unifi's online business solutions for MSMEs is in line with TM's support towards the Government's initiatives, such as JENDELA and MyDIGITAL, and fits into the Company's role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia," he added. For more information on unifi Business Solutions and MSME Digitalisation grant offerings, please visit www.unifi.com.my/business/smegrant.

18 Feb 2021
TM extends free connectivity to more than 1,000 community centres nationwide

​FREE WiFi for close to 60 PPRs and over 1,000 community internet centres nationwide in collaboration with MCMC to provide internet access and facilitate Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR). Provides connectivity and devices to students from lower-income families (B40) under Tabung CERDIK in collaboration with Yayasan Hasanah. DidikTV KPM on unifi TV channel 107 available from 7am to midnight daily – an effort by Ministry of Education (MOE) to increase access to quality education for students nationwide. Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), as the national connectivity and digital infrastructure provider, continues to extend Internet connectivity to more Malaysians, particularly the B40 group. The Company is providing FREE WiFi access at close to 60 People’s Housing Projects (Projek Perumahan Rakyat – PPR) and more than 1,000 community internet centres nationwide.  Students at 60 PPRs to benefit from FREE WiFi TM has been providing free WiFi access at 60 selected PPRs since January running until 30 April 2021, especially to assist SPM and STPM candidates. This latest initiative, in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is to facilitate Home-based Teaching and Learning (Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran di Rumah – PdPR) of students at the PPRs. FREE connectivity at more than 1000 Community Internet Centres TM is also enabling more local communities as well as students especially in sub-urban and rural areas to enjoy free broadband connection and utilise the facilities safely for their online learning at 563 WiFi Komuniti (WK), 437 community internet centres (Pusat Internet Komuniti – PIK), and 37 Pusat Internet Desa (PID); also in collaboration with MCMC. Providing support to the Tabung CERDIK initiative In addition, TM is also collaborating with Yayasan Hasanah to support the Tabung CERDIK initiative which was announced by the Government during the tabling of Budget 2021. The initiative will see government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and government-linked companies (GLCs) contribute RM150 million to provide laptops to 150,000 students in 500 schools, as a pilot project and is aimed at enabling PdPR. TM will be contributing connectivity and devices with an estimated value of over RM20 million. TM will contribute approximately 300 laptops worth RM500,000 while through unifi Mobile, TM will offer participating GLICs/GLCs the industry CERDIK mobile package which will be bundled with their device contributions. The Company will also upgrade broadband connectivity for 325 schools identified by the Ministry of Education (MoE) under the initiative as well as the nearby 156 Pusat Internet Centres and 17 PPRs. DidikTV KPM on unifi TV channel 107 The MOE has recently announced that its new terrestrial dedicated TV channel, known as DidikTV KPM, will start its broadcast on Wednesday, 17 February 2021. TM also facilitates PdPR amongst students by hosting the daily broadcasts of DidikTV KPM on unifi TV from 7am until midnight on unifi TV channel 107. DidikTV KPM will broadcast specially designed content based on MOE’s curriculum and co-curriculum, aside from news on education, edutainment programmes, student-generated content as well as relevant international programmes.  Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: “Connectivity is crucial at this time as more Malaysians are at home; especially with most students having to learn remotely via PdPR. We hope that with the availability of free connectivity at these 60 PPRs and more than 1000 community internet centres, local communities especially students from the B40 families can attend classes and utilise online learning tools so that they won’t fall behind in their studies. They will be able to utilise unlimited data for learning applications and online classroom sessions, especially the candidates of the upcoming Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) preparing for the examinations. Most importantly, they can stay safe and stay productive at home during the Movement Control Order (MCO).” “We reiterate our support of the various Government and MCMC initiatives to address the digital gap especially among the low income groups, such as Tabung CERDIK. Apart from devices, students are in dire need of mobile connectivity that comes with unlimited data and affordable monthly subscription, which does not require frequent add ons or top-up when their quota has been utilised. The special unifi Mobile #BEBAS data package for SPM/STPM 2021 candidates and students of higher learning institutions, as well as the additional 1GB LTE daily data allowance, which has been in place throughout the MCO are to help Malaysians at this challenging time. We will continue to innovate our offerings to deliver seamless connectivity and an enhanced service experience to more Malaysians nationwide, in line with the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) action plan. As the enabler of Digital Malaysia, we remain committed to serve a more digital society, business and government,” added Imri. Extended mobility with unifi Mobile FREE daily 1GB (up to 30GB monthly) LTE data TM through unifi Mobile also continues to support Malaysians’ connectivity needs with FREE daily 1GB (or up to 30GBs monthly) LTE data until 30 April 2021. This complimentary data is available to all unifi Mobile postpaid as well as #BEBAS prepaid customers, on top of their existing monthly data allocation based on their subscription plan. The Productivity Internet, which has been provided since April 2020, can be used for e-learning and online productivity tools as well as news website browsing, except for gaming, social media and video streaming.  For more info on unifi Mobile prepaid and postpaid plans that can suit your lifestyle, customers can visit https://unifi.com.my/mobile/prepaid. Special unifi Mobile #BEBAS data package for SPM/STPM 2021 candidates and students of higher learning institutions TM through unifi Mobile #BEBAS prepaid, is also offering a special data package for SPM and STPM candidates to assist in their studies. This package has also been extended to students of higher learning institutions under 22 years of age, following the announcement by the Prime Minister under the “Perlindungan Ekonomi & Rakyat Malaysia” (PERMAI) assistance package on 18 January 2021. The special package offers a 15GB LTE pass at the price of RM20 only, with a 30-day validity period, and is available until 30 April 2021.  Meanwhile, unifi customers continue to enjoy unlimited internet and data on our unlimited home and mobile plans. FREE access is also made to a range of information-related apps and services to ensure Malaysians stay informed and stay updated on the latest credible news on COVID-19. The list includes MySejahtera and MyTrace apps, and important health websites and hotlines such as the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) Hotline, Ministry of Health (MoH) and World Health Organisation (WHO) websites, and more.

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