08 Mar 2018
TM and Huawei seal strategic partnership to further enhance malaysia’s broadband reach and digital economy
As pioneers in the rollout of high speed broadband in the country, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd (Huawei) are once again collaborating for the betterment of broadband and digital economy for the nation. The companies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for both parties to work hand-in-hand in multiple collaboration activities, leveraging on each other’s core expertise and capabilities to accelerate fibre broadband network reach, in line with the Government’s move to drive Malaysia’s digital economy.
The collaboration will leverage on the combined strengths and capabilities of both companies to further accelerate national broadband reach and leap-frog the adoption of a connected digital lifestyle and the Internet of Things (IOTs) amongst Malaysians. Via the strategic partnership, both TM and Huawei will play a more proactive developmental role in providing ready infrastructure and ecosystem to support the nation’s growth.
The MoU was signed by Datuk Bazlan Osman, Executive Director / Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, TM and Foo Fang Yong, Vice President of Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dato’ Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly, Managing Director / Group Chief Executive Officer, TM and Baker Zhou, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd.
Commenting on the partnership, Dato’ Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly said, “We are indeed excited to be working hand in hand with a leading global name such as Huawei to accelerate the offering of digital services and solutions to the nation thus further support the Government’s aspirations of digital economy. As the trusted partner in key nation-building initiatives, TM ensures the safety and security of the nation's strategic and critical infrastructure, and in accelerating the broadband reach for all Malaysians. We believe that strategic collaborations such as this MoU is yet another testament of our role as the country’s key enabler for the national communications infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, Baker Zhou said: “Telekom Malaysia and Huawei have been working hand-in-hand for 15 years. In the past 15 years, we have worked together to connect more people than ever before. We are now at the crossroads of digital transformation. With today's MoU, we can share more, innovate better, and work more closely than ever before. Huawei will fully support TM’s vision of “Making Life and Business Easier”, and will work together with TM to building a better connected and intelligent Malaysia.”
The inking of the MoU marks the parties’ commitment to collaborate to deliver digital solutions for businesses and public sector, explore innovative solutions for network optimisation and implement initiatives that will capture TM customers’ share of moments.
The MoU also envisages other areas across TM Group of Companies including network and technology planning, exploration of innovative business model for unifi, transformation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to enhance overall efficiency of TM’s IT and Business support platform, smart device cooperation, establishment of Multimedia University (MMU) Smart Campus model and knowledge sharing on innovative technology. According to the MoU, Huawei will share its extensive global best practices to help TM capitalise emerging opportunities quickly through big data aided network design and deployment, intelligent Smart Capex solution to respond fast to TM customer needs, and simplify business engagement between both organisations via inter-connecting IT processes.
Through this strategic partnership, TM aspires to pursue the innovation and commercialisation of technology which includes Internet of Things (IoTs), cloud technology and artificial intelligence towards delivering digital experience to more Malaysians nationwide. TM will also explore alternative wireless technology deployment to further expand high speed broadband reach across Malaysia; bridging the digital divide and meeting the Government’s objective of a truly connected society.
The MoU is subject to a definitive agreement to be signed between the parties in specific areas. Further announcements will be made in due course, as and when appropriate.
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unifi introduces: no contract, no rules, no complications - the best of unifi wireless broadband!
Are you a young professional who always on the move? Or are you still looking for a place to finally call home? What if there is a solution for you to stay connected without the mandatories of a permanent address and a contract? Well, you are now set free with unifi! As the premier convergence brand under Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), unifi is offering an all new service where you can enjoy seamless and reliable internet solution, the unifi Wireless Broadband. Imri Mokhtar, Executive Vice President, unifi said, “We want to always ensure that our customers get the best experience from unifi. For customers who resides within the unifi LTE coverage areas, this is the perfect solution for you. With this seamless connection, you will be able to experience the lifestyle you wish for. Just download and upload anything that you want. Enjoy uninterrupted video streaming with family or friends. Do your online shopping, read an e-book, or simply stay in touch with a friend, you can now stay online and do so much more all day, at any time. There are no rules and no restrictions. Not limiting you to any which way you want to use your data, unlike others, making this the perfect solution for you.” “Staying true to our promise of 'Life Made Easier', this solution will strengthen unifi’s role as the nation’s Convergence Champion brand. We will continue to deliver our commitment to provide the best converged customer experience to all Malaysians, from all walks of life,” he added. Easy to sign up and with NO CONTRACT, the unifi Wireless Broadband is a plug and play, with no wires, and no hacking as well as no installation required. Catering up to 64 devices, homes with multiple users will be able to experience this new service with total peace of mind. Exclusive via the unifi perfect squad, this unifi Wireless Broadband service comes with monthly 60GB internet data, at only RM83.74 per month (inclusive of GST). As part of the subscription, the wireless router device is only RM599 (normal price: RM1,099) so you can own the device and move with it. Limited to three (3) units per customer, the device comes with a 12-month warranty. As you are not bound with a contract, so there is no penalty and no returning hassle. For high data-users, if the 60GB data is not enough for you, fret not, you can simply purchase top-up from the unifi mobile care application or via online at https://mobile.unifi.com.my/ to enjoy 20GB for only RM40, that lasts up to 90 days! Do look out for TM’s unifi perfect squad coming to your neighbourhood soon to #pasangsekarang (#installnow). They will be offering both the service and device to you; and some exciting freebies may also be in store for the lucky ones! unifi is the one for you to deliver fast and seamless internet experience everywhere and anytime, enabling connectivity on all devices with an easy and worry-free experience. With a wide range of digital solutions, unifi is committed to manifest TM’s promise of ‘Life Made Easier’. For more information on unifi and its products and offerings, log on to unifi.com.my.
TM in ongoing discussions with government to address issues faced by Streamyx customers
Following its statement issued on 21 September 2018, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), the nation’s pioneer broadband provider and now convergence champion, today reiterated its commitment to enhance the broadband experience of Streamyx customers; and shared that discussions with the Government and the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia are underway to effectively address issues faced by Streamyx customers. TM would like to reassure its 2.3 million broadband customers and all its stakeholders that TM plays an active part in the dialogue, debate and conversations that are ongoing in the industry towards building a more balanced and inclusive digital nation. This is in line with TM’s vision to deliver high speed broadband with a wider nationwide coverage to all Malaysians. TM has been continuously investing in its infrastructure over the years, to provide connectivity and also in order to elevate the experience of both its unifi and Streamyx customers, concurrently. The primary focus is in expanding Malaysia’s high speed broadband coverage. The copper network which is a legacy network, faces many challenges, mainly technological limitations. This is more pronounced for Streamyx customers, whereby the copper network is only able to deliver speeds up to 8Mbps.This requires a longer term and more permanent solution, which will take time to implement and has heavy financial implications. TM looks forward to a collaborative win-win approach with the Government to effectively address the challenges faced by Streamyx customers, once and for all. In order to do this, TM looks to accelerate discussions with the Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to explore specific funding options, various fit-for-purpose technologies as well as optimising existing industry mechanisms in order to deliver a better broadband experience nationwide. TM also shared a further update on the progress made with respect to the ongoing upgrade exercise for its Streamyx customers. To date, TM has successfully upgraded nearly 50% of over 340,000 Streamyx customers residing in unifi coverage areas to unifi; at the same price of their current plan. The rest of the 170,000 Streamyx customers who have yet to grab this opportunity for the free upgrade are encouraged to do so. TM aims to complete this unifi upgrade exercise by March 2019. For Streamyx customers who are currently residing in non-unifi areas, TM is committed to continuously invest in the best fit for purpose technologies to bring high speed broadband to them. Meanwhile, where technology permits, TM is doubling the Streamyx speed at the same price of their current broadband plan. Close to 180,000 of those in non-unifi areas can look forward to receiving this free speed upgrade. TM aims to complete this speed upgrade exercise by December 2018. Streamyx customers who are eligible for the speed upgrade will continue to be contacted via email and phone. TM urges customers to update their latest contact details i.e., telephone number and email address to facilitate this process. This can be done both via the unifi portal and unifi care app. However, in order to address the remaining 500,000 Streamyx customers, TM is calling for the discussions with the Government to quickly reach a mutually beneficial outcome for these customers. TM remains steadfast in its purpose to make life easier for a better Malaysia. In working towards a more definitive solution for an improved broadband experience and a more enhanced digital lifestyle for all its customers, TM would like to acknowledge their trust and loyalty; and values their continued patience and understanding.
TM turns in revenue of RM5.78 billion YTD for 1H2018 amidst challenging environment
Key Highlights of 1H2018: Performance to-date: Group Revenue of RM5.78 billion Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) at RM1.61 billion Group Reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) stood at RM444.5 million; Group Normalised EBIT at RM433.0 million Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) was RM259.1 million; Group Normalised PATAMI stood at RM261.1 million Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced its financial results for the first half of the year ended 30 June 2018. The Group posted revenue of RM5.78 billion year-to-date, 2.7% lower from RM5.94 billion in the corresponding period last year. This was primarily due to a decline in voice, data and other telecommunication related services as well as provisions recognised against wholesale revenue impacted by regulatory mandated access pricing. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for 1H2018 was RM1.61 billion as compared to RM1.80 billion in 1H2017 mainly due to the lower revenue. Stripping off non-operational items, such as unrealised forex loss on trade settlement, Group Normalised EBITDA was 13.9% lower, at RM1.60 billion. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) for 1H2018 was RM444.5 million as compared to RM560.9 million in 1H2017. Stripping off some non-operational items, in particular unrealised foreign exchange loss on international trade settlement, normalised EBIT stood at RM433.0 million. Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) was at RM259.1 million, whilst Group Normalised PATAMI was RM261.1 million, after setting aside non-operational items such as unrealised forex impact on borrowings and international trade settlements. Datuk Bazlan Osman, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: "The first six months of 2018 has been very challenging for us, from rapid developments in the market to increasing regulatory pressures. Given the current landscape, these events further add challenges to our financial performance. Being cognizant of the potential impact to TM, we had revised our 2018 Headline KPIs as well as Capex guidance in early July 2018. Alongside this revision, we also launched our Performance Improvement Programme (PIP 2018) as a broad initiative to overcome the headwinds. The PIP 2018 is guided by four (4) main pillars - Revenue Uplift, Sustained Profitability, Improved Cash Flow and Increased Productivity. We expect the regulatory and sector challenges to persist in the near-to-midterm and undertaking these PIP 2018 initiatives are necessary measures to ensure the sustainability of our business for the long term." The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) for 1H2018 amounted to RM710 million or equivalent to 12.3% of revenue. Of the total capex investment, 18% was allocated for Core Network, 59% was for Access, and the balance 23% for Support Systems. “Delivering convergence and going digital remains our priority. We will continue to focus on growth, yet be more prudent in our spending and sweat our existing assets. As such, we are also revising our capex guidance for the full year to 19 – 20% of revenue.” “We currently have 2.30 million broadband customers and in terms of convergence, we saw more customers moving up the value chain with having triple-play services and above, evidenced by our convergence penetration now at 47% compared to just 37% in 2Q 2017,” he added. At the media briefing, TM also announced that its unifi Basic plan, which is a 60GB broadband-only unifi plan will now be extended to everyone beginning September 2018 (no longer exclusive for households with income of less than RM4,500 per month). “Affordability and accessibility of quality highspeed broadband services is important to TM, and we are committed to lead the charge to unlock the potential of a digitally-savvy Malaysia. As such, we are happy to announce that we are extending the unifi basic plan to all,” he concluded. Comparison: Quarter-on-Quarter (2Q2018 vs 1Q2018 Results) For the current quarter under review, Group Revenue stood at RM2.94 billion, higher by 3.1% QoQ mainly attributed to an increase in data, internet and other telecommunication related services. Group EBITDA rose 10.3% QoQ to RM845.9 million from RM766.7 million the previous quarter. 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