U Mobile has signed a strategic partnership with SACOFA Sdn Bhd to accelerate the expansion of its ULTRA5G network across Sarawak. As part of the collaboration, SACOFA will serve as U Mobile’s key fibre backhaul partner, providing leased line access services to support the telco’s 5G rollout.
The 10-year agreement marks a milestone in U Mobile’s mission to deliver the widest and deepest 5G coverage in Malaysia with the aim of achieving 80% 5G population coverage by the second half of 2026.
With this agreement, SACOFA will deliver fibre connectivity to U Mobile’s 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) sites, enabling high-capacity backhaul links to regional Points of Interconnect (POIs). SACOFA’s fibre infrastructure spans over 11,000 kilometres across the state, which U Mobile says will ensure reliable, low-latency 5G services for both consumers and enterprises.
SACOFA Chairman and Minister of Utility and Telecommunication for Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, said, “The alliance between SACOFA & U Mobile strongly aligns with the Sarawak Government’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), which identifies digital transformation as one of the six key economic enablers. The strategy highlights the importance of modernising various sectors and enhancing productivity through technology. Today’s collaboration reflects this vision in action, using 5G as a catalyst for enterprise growth, service innovation, and industry advancement.”
Meanwhile, U Mobile CEO Wong Heang Tuck said, “U Mobile is pleased to appoint SACOFA as our fibre backhaul partner for the rollout of our next generation 5G network in Sarawak. This partnership is a key enabler in our drive to deliver our ULTRA5G experience, empowering consumers and enterprises in the state to harness cutting-edge technologies and thrive in the digital economy. By leveraging SACOFA’s extensive fibre infrastructure, we will work together to ensure that Sarawak becomes one of the earliest states to complete 5G deployment. This collaboration also supports the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, which envisions a dynamic, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital ecosystem for the state.”
SACOFA Managing Director Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman B Abdul Taib said, “This strategic partnership marks another important milestone for SACOFA and represents a crucial step forward for Sarawak. Through the investment in 5G infrastructure and collaboration with U Mobile, SACOFA aims to deliver faster and more reliable connections to local businesses and communities. SACOFA is committed to meeting expectations and supporting the objectives of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 by delivering seamless and reliable 5G backhaul services on its network. Our goal is to ensure the success of this development for all stakeholders.”
The orange telco is rolling out Malaysia’s second 5G network and it aims to do so with the latest 5G technologies from Huawei and ZTE. It aims to deliver 5G SA (5G Standalone) and Network Slicing from day one.
U Mobile’s ULTRA5G network went live last month with Berjaya Times Square as their first location with 5G in-building coverage. Their own 5G network is also available on the 1st Penang Bridge as well as in Kota Kinabalu, in Sabah.
U Mobile taps on SACOFA’s fibre network to expand ULTRA5G experience in Sarawak
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