- ZTE’s dual‑network convergence project for CelcomDigi boosted coverage, speeds and user satisfaction across four Malaysian regions.
- The project used an “Intelligent, Integrated, and Connected” management model to merge six operators’ assets — the largest such deployment in the country.
What happened: ZTE’s Malaysian 5G network overhaul
At a ceremony in London on 17 November 2025, ZTE was awarded the “Best Mobile/5G Service Innovation” by the Global Connectivity Awards, marking its first win in this category. The award recognises ZTE’s role in the ambitious dual‑network convergence undertaken by CelcomDigi in Malaysia — a project described as the largest of its kind in the country.
The initiative consolidated network assets from six operators across four regions — Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak. Under a management system dubbed “Intelligent, Integrated, and Connected”, ZTE deployed three big‑data platforms (site deployment, network optimisation, and value analysis) along with eight tools for planning, commissioning, operations and maintenance — enabling end‑to‑end visibility and control over the rollout.
Early results from phase one are promising: network coverage reportedly rose by 15%, download speeds by 25%, and overall network traffic by 15%; at the same time, user‑complaint rates dropped by more than 60%.
ZTE also incorporated AI-based energy‑saving technology into the upgrade, a move that reportedly helps reduce power consumption — aligning with growing calls for greener, more sustainable telecom operations.
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Why it’s important
The accord awarded to ZTE spotlights the rising significance of network convergence projects in enabling broad, efficient 5G rollout — especially in regions where legacy networks from multiple operators overlap. The scale of CelcomDigi’s consolidation makes this a bellwether for similar efforts elsewhere.
By delivering measurable improvements in coverage and speed — and a substantial reduction in user complaints — the rollout suggests such consolidation can yield real benefits in user experience. However, the long-term success will depend on whether these gains hold consistently across rural and urban areas, and whether maintenance and further upgrades can sustain performance.
Moreover, the integration of AI‑enabled, energy‑saving tools points to the industry’s growing awareness of sustainability in telecom infrastructure. But while reductions in energy consumption are commendable, the precise environmental gains remain to be independently verified and quantified.
Finally, the intertwined issues of consolidation raise questions about competition and diversity in network operators. As multiple operator assets are merged under a single provider’s oversight, regulators and consumers alike may want to monitor whether network dominance leads to fewer choices, or whether service quality continues to benefit all users.
