16 Dec 2021
TM inks agreement with DNB to provide fibre connectivity in accelerating rollout of 5G network services nationwide
With a total contract value of RM2 billion over 10 years, the signing of a Fibre Leasing Service agreement with DNB demonstrates TM’s commitment to enable the provision of 5G infrastructure in supporting the Government’s ambitious digital aspiration
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announces the signing of a Fibre Leasing Service agreement with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) to speed up the deployment of the Government-owned 5G network nationwide.
Taking on a leading role in enabling a Digital Malaysia, and as the national connectivity and digital infrastructure provider, TM is at the forefront of technology and innovation to support the country as it moves forward to realise a more digital society, digital business, digital industry and digital Government by 2030.
The term sheet agreement with a total contract value of RM2 billion over 10 years was duly signed by Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM and Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Executive Vice President, TM Wholesale while DNB was represented by Augustus Ralph Marshall, Chief Executive Officer and Dushyanthan Vaithiyanathan, Chief Operating Officer.
Commenting on the signing, Imri said: “Today’s signing further reinforces the Government’s aspiration of putting in place Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and network. We have always been a strong advocate of infrastructure sharing in providing connectivity services and end-to-end solutions, to enable excellent wireless solutions and services.”
DNB will be able to leverage on TM’s extensive fibre and network infrastructure, and subscribe to TM’s 5G RAN-to-Edge Fronthaul and Backhaul solution for the provision of fibre connectivity, enabling DNB to provide 5G network services nationwide.
Under the agreement, TM will provide DNB with 5G fibre leasing services for connectivity between DNB’s 5G mobile sites and nodes, leveraging on TM’s domestic fibre cable network spanning over 640,000 km across Malaysia. Prior to this, TM along with other fibre providers in Malaysia had participated in the 5G Fiber Leasing Request for Quotation (RFQ) exercise conducted by DNB in June 2021.
“As DNB’s selected partner in implementing the Government’s 5G network rollout plan in Malaysia, the signing of this Fibre Agreement is testament to our advanced network technology and workforce capabilities in delivering fibre solutions throughout the country. Critical in executing this mission is to ensure our network is robust to support the future requirements of 5G and further fuel technological innovation in Malaysia,” Imri added.
“In delivering the fibre connectivity for DNB’s 5G network, the local telecommunications vendors and suppliers’ ecosystem shall benefit too, in areas such as engineering services, supply of fibre, accessories, poles, manholes and premise equipment. Based on our current fibre implementation, we expect more than 70% of the work to involve and benefit bumiputera and local companies.”
“TM is also excited to utilise DNB’s 5G network to provide 5G services and solutions to our home, SME, enterprise and public sector customers. With the launch of DNB 5G network services yesterday, we will be able to test the 5G network and offer services on a trial basis in selected areas across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya,” Imri concluded.
Today’s signing is in tandem with the implementation of Jalinan Digital Negara’s (JENDELA) action plan and cements TM’s commitment of enabling Digital Malaysia through MyDIGITAL. It is also in support of the Government’s other digital plans encompassing digital connectivity (domestic fiberisation, international connectivity), digital infrastructure (cloud, data centre and cybersecurity) and digital talents (via Multimedia University and TM Digital Academy).
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unifi ups its convergence game with new content offerings
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Commenting on the launch of the new content line-up, Anand Vijayan, Chief Commercial Officer, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) said he is optimistic that the new offerings on unifi TV will significantly drive sign-ups given the brand’s strength in convergence. With the addition of the new channels, unifi TV will have a total of 73 channels and 10 streaming apps on its platforms. This is also the first time Lionsgate Play and Simply South will be made available in Malaysia through a content aggregator platform like unifi TV, which is also the country’s first content service provider to offer linear channels and streaming apps in a single platform via unifi Plus Box. Streaming app Lionsgate Play is home to blockbuster movies, premium originals, and binge-worthy shows. There will be a selection of evergreen and iconic programmes for the whole family on channels like AXN, HITS and HITS MOVIES. Most of the new channels and streaming app offerings will hit closer to home, providing a wide range of vernacular shows and programmes for everyone. Exclusive top-rated local Malay series will be available on Viu and iQiyi, while for the fans of Chinese entertainment content, they will be spoilt for choice with Celestial Movies, CCM, iQiyi and TVBAnywhere+, to satisfy their viewing needs. For Indian content lovers, two (2) new streaming app partners, Simply South and ZEE5 have been added to the content line-up for them to enjoy. Both offer a variety of latest entertainment selections in multiple languages like Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu and more. With these new partnerships, unifi TV is also fulfilling the increasing demand for Korean and Japanese content among Malaysians. The K-and J-entertainment fare will be offered via Animax, GEM, Arirang TV, K-Plus, iQiyi and Viu. Meanwhile, TechStorm addresses the youth and young families with the best of Asian esports and technology centric content. Starting 14 October 2021, unifi TV is also excited to bring in two (2) new channels for adrenaline junkies and sports fans, SPOTV and SPOTV2. These channels offer the best of sports with extensive coverage of Tennis Grand Slam Wimbledon, US Open, MotoGP, The Open Championship (British Open) and other action-packed sports programs. unifi TV is also bringing in thrilling “live” UFC events featuring world-class mixed martial arts action, as part of the main highlights in its home-grown channel, unifi Sports, in addition to exclusive Liga Super and TM Piala Malaysia matches. In conjunction with the launch, unifi TV will be offering complimentary viewing of the 12 new channels to all unifi TV packs subscribers until 31 December 2021. 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Stay tuned as unifi will be rolling out more content variety and streaming app partners in the next few months to ensure subscribers’ viewing needs are met.
TM, PETRONAS AND GENTARI PARTNER TO DRIVE DIGITAL AND SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION FOR INDUSTRY AND NATION BUILDING
KUALA LUMPUR, 19 DECEMBER 2024 – TM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PETRONAS through its digital arm PETRONAS Digital Sdn Bhd (PDSB), and clean energy arm Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari), to drive digital transformation and sustainable innovation for industries and the nation. Under this collaboration, TM and PETRONAS will explore new revenue streams through the expansion of product offerings to enterprise and consumer markets, and drive growth and innovation through data centre, advanced cloud and connectivity for Malaysian businesses. The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions is expected to optimise city services, improve operational efficiency, and enhance public services, contributing to a smarter and more sustainable future. The MoU was exchanged between Megawati Norhashim, Vice President, Enterprise Business, TM One; Ts. Shaharuddin Hamid Mustapha, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PDSB; and Shah Yang Razalli, Deputy CEO & Chief Green Mobility Officer, Gentari; The exchange was witnessed by Shazurawati Abd Karim, Executive Vice President for TM One on behalf of TM; Ir. Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof, Senior Vice President, Project Delivery & Technology; and Izwan Ismail, Vice President of Group Technology & Commercialisation on behalf of PETRONAS and Gentari. Shazurawati said, “We are pleased to partner with PETRONAS to drive digital and sustainable innovations that will empower growth, industry advancements, and Malaysia's technological capabilities. TM’s established nationwide infrastructure and diverse solutions, aligning with PETRONAS’ goals for energy transformation. By harnessing the power of 5G, cloud, AI, and IoT, we are laying the groundwork for a more efficient and resilient future. This reflects our shared vision for a digitally advanced and sustainable Malaysia, a pivotal commitment in TM’s efforts to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.” Ir. Yusri noted, “Today marks a significant milestone in PETRONAS’ and TM’s collaboration, now further strengthened and poised for an even greater impact with Gentari on board. This MoU will foster the creation of valuable applications that harness the power of technology including clean technologies, which can serve as benchmarks for large-scale implementation across various industries. Anchored by PETRONAS’ commitment towards purposeful value creation and positive social impact, we are excited for the transformations ahead. Together, we aim to push the envelope of establishing a thriving digital ecosystem that is also environmentally sustainable." The partnership between Gentari and TM further explores the integration of clean energy solutions through solar and EV charging in TM facilities. Shah shared, “We are pleased to support this collaboration, which emphasises the role of clean energy in fostering Malaysia’s progress in digitalisation and sustainability. By integrating renewable energy and green mobility solutions into TM’s operations, we aim to contribute a sustainable pathway towards the nation’s energy transition. This collaboration underscores our shared effort to create a more sustainable digital ecosystem and supports Malaysia’s aspirations of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.” TM, PETRONAS and Gentari will continue to set new standards in the industry by harnessing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to create new milestones in Malaysia’s digital transformation.
TM Records a Promising 1Q2023 Performance with 2.0% Revenue Growth; Continues to Strengthen its Core Business
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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. 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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.”
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