KUALA LUMPUR (July 5): Mobile network operator U Mobile Sdn Bhd will tap Edotco Group Sdn Bhd’s tower infrastructure for Malaysia’s second 5G network rollout.

Under the memorandum of understanding signed, Edotco will provide U Mobile with information and access to its infrastructures, resources readiness and expedited site delivery, the companies said in a joint statement. This will allow faster on-air time for new sites and coverage expansion, they noted.

Additionally, both parties will discuss commercial arrangements for various infrastructure requirements, including built-to-suit sites, co-locations, site upgrades, and indoor coverage, with the goal of establishing a cost-efficient and competitive offering to enable timely rollout.

"We are looking forward to ensuring affordable and quality 5G services for Malaysians and showcasing the economic benefits that the technology will bring to consumer, business, and public sectors,” said U Mobile chief technology officer Woon Ooi Yuen.

Edotco, which operates and manages a regional portfolio of over 58,000 towers, is a unit of Malaysia’s largest telecom company by revenue, Axiata Group Bhd (KL:AXIATA). In Malaysia alone, the company has 20,000 towers.

Edotco's director of Malaysia business Gayan Koralage stated that the group is committed to enhancing connectivity across the nation while being dedicated to working with mobile network operators.

“This partnership is indeed a pivotal step forward in accelerating Malaysia’s 5G future,” he said.

U Mobile and Edotco have had a long-standing partnership that spans over a decade. Recently, U Mobile renewed its lease contract with Edotco for another term and is also working on a site consolidation plan, aiming to enhance aesthetics as well as lower network operations costs.