29 Sep 2021

TM & Astro collaborate to deliver high quality digital experience

TM & Astro collaborate to deliver high quality digital experience Article Header
TM

TM provides Astro with full suite of wholesale infrastructure and connectivity solutions to enable Astro to serve its customers with reliable broadband and content services.

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad’s wholly-owned subsidiary, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd (Astro) today inked deals to collaborate in delivering a high quality digital experience to all Malaysians. The collaboration also signifies both companies' commitment to support the “Jalinan Digital Negara” (JENDELA) initiative in providing wider broadband coverage and a better experience nationwide.

The agreements were signed by Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM and Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Executive Vice President, TM WHOLESALE while Astro was represented by Henry Tan, Group Chief Executive Officer and Shafiq Abdul Jabbar, Group Chief Financial Officer.

Through this strategic collaboration, TM, via TM WHOLESALE, its global and wholesale business arm, will provide Astro with a full suite of infrastructure and connectivity solutions that comprises the whole range of wholesale services inclusive of high speed broadband (HSBB), bandwidth, backhaul and Internet access. This extensive and robust fibre network infrastructure will enable TM together with Astro to provide high-quality and reliable connectivity to their end-users.

With TM’s HSBB service, Astro also will be able to provide broadband services to its customers without having the need to build a new infrastructure while extending its coverage to wider areas across the country via a fibre network. As for Internet services, TM’s internet access solution will enable Astro to offer high performance internet connectivity and a comprehensive solution to its customers.

To complete the services, TM will also provide Astro with its Content Delivery Network (TM CDN), a newly developed content platform service that delivers seamless, faster and secure digital content. This will enable Astro to strengthen its video streaming efficiency to its current service offerings.

Commenting on the collaboration, Imri said: “TM as the leading infrastructure partner for High Speed Broadband wholesale services, leveraged its superior network nationwide to support the industry’s broadband growth. We are also the primary mobile backhaul infrastructure provider for the industry with extensive coverage and capacity. As the digital infrastructure accelerator in Malaysia, we have always been a strong advocate of infrastructure sharing. Thus we are honoured to be given this opportunity to leverage each other’s expertise to provide Malaysians with high quality broadband and content services that we have. This strategic collaboration also demonstrates our commitment to ensure Malaysians are provided with a seamless and “always-on” connectivity experience. We are happy to work with Astro and this is yet another testament to our pivotal role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia aspirations.”

Meanwhile, Henry Tan said: “This strategic partnership with TM lays the foundation for Astro to be an internet service provider. Astro’s goal is to provide Malaysians with the best digital experience and broadband value proposition. Leveraging on the strength of TM’s wide HSBB network will enable Astro to realise new revenue streams, scaling our broadband service with content bundles, or standalone broadband and other product lines. This deal gives us more flexibility to offer great value and convenience to our customers.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

LAPSE OF CONDITIONS PRECEDENT LONGSTOP DATE FOR THE SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT WITH DIGITAL NASIONAL BERHAD

On 10 May 2023, TM filed a Bursa Announcement to notify that the longstop date to fulfil all conditions precedent in the Share Subscription Agreement (SSA) for the subscription of a 20% equity stake in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) had lapsed. Consequently, TM issued a termination notice to DNB, effective immediately.   Nonetheless, TM looks forward to the next process and discussion with the Government and the industry on 5G participation across Phase 1 (towards 80% service coverage by DNB) and Phase 2 (shift to two networks), as announced by the Government on 3 May 2023. TM is committed to continue playing an active role in the 5G implementation, leveraging its nationwide fibre infrastructure, extensive digital platforms (data centre, edge nodes) and rollout experience.   In the meantime, TM customers of Unifi Mobile and TM One will continue to enjoy 5G services and solutions, as the 5G wholesale Access Agreement remains in place.   TM is committed to serve as the nation’s trusted partner to grow Malaysia’s overall connectivity and digital ecosystem, including 5G. We are committed to shaping a Digital Malaysia through technology that empowers communities, businesses and Government. 

TM reports strong 3Q2020 performance amidst challenging environment

Encouraging QoQ revenue growth across all product lines ​​​​​​3Q2020 QoQ Key Financial and Operational Highlights (All comparisons refer to the second quarter of 2020 (Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) comparison), except as noted):​ Group Revenue grew 3.8% to RM2.69 billion from RM2.59 billion recorded in 2Q2020.   Group Reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) increased by 7.0% QoQ to RM456.2 million, from RM426.3 million in 2Q2020.    Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) rose 19.9% QoQ to RM329.5 million compared to RM274.7 million.   The total capital expenditure (capex) for 3Q2020 stood at 14.9% of revenue or RM400.0 million.   unifi: Continues convergence leadership with growth in broadband and mobile; highest convergence penetration of TM households at 58%.   TM ONE: Strengthened position as the digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings.   TM Wholesale: Continues to connect industry players, carriers, over-the-top (OTT) providers and content players in Malaysia and globally.   Addressing the digital divide: Remain committed to increasing connectivity reach via Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) and accelerating the digital economy with recently announced Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) collaboration. Strong Business Performance for 3Q2020 Despite these unprecedented times, TM Group Revenue continues to increase QoQ recording a resilient 3.8% growth to RM2.69 billion from RM2.59 billion recorded in 2Q2020 on the back of higher revenue from voice, internet and data services. Group EBIT for 3Q2020 increased by 7.0% QoQ to RM456.2 million, from RM426.3 million in 2Q2020, on the back of lower operating cost, from the Group's continued momentum from its cost optimisation programmes. This subsequently led to a 19.9% increase in Group PATAMI from RM274.7 million in the preceding quarter to RM329.5 million. In 3Q2020, the company invested 14.9% of revenue in capex amounting to RM400.0 million - in line with guidance - as it continued to optimise its network and sweat its assets. Of the amount invested, 50% was for network access, 17% for core network, and the balance 33% for support system. Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM, commenting on the results: "We are pleased to report another quarter of growth across all key financial metrics – revenue and profits – despite the challenging environment in Q3. Our efforts in cost optimisation continue to yield results with a healthy EBIT and a strong PATAMI. As we enter the ninth month of the Covid-19 pandemic, our priority continues to be the safety and health of our 'Warga TM' while continuously delivering connectivity and solutions excellence to our broad customer base." "We are seeing unifi gaining momentum, posting a 6.3% growth to 1.65 million subscribers, with our total broadband customer base now at 2.26 million. We achieved the highest convergence penetration (of three services or more) in TM households since 2018, of 58%, as more Malaysians embrace digital living-working in this new norm. On the wholesale front, we continue to collaborate with industry players in Malaysia and globally. At TM ONE, we further cemented our leadership position as the digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with enterprise-grade connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings. We look forward to more collaborations with strategic partners and customers towards establishing a solid foundation for a more Digital Malaysia," Imri concluded. Operational Review: Maintaining Business Momentum TM delivered another quarter of robust performance, driven by its agility to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on Group businesses and operations; leveraging on new avenues for growth in the 'new normal' whilst adapting to challenges. unifi: Continues convergence leadership with growth in broadband and mobile Achieved the highest convergence penetration at 58% of TM households. unifi customer base grew 6.3% to 1.65 million; total broadband customer base grew 2% to 2.26 million during the quarter. Helped empower Small and Media Enterprises (SMEs) with relevant tools and knowledge to grow their businesses and embrace digitalisation with the launch of cari@unifi and eBiz Pack, unifi Business Club (uBC) collaboration with Lalamove and live webinars such as Reboot and Sembang Bisnes. Partnered with Funding Society Malaysia to provide business financing solutions for Micro SMEs (MSMEs) utilising Yellow Pages' digital platform. unifi Mobile extended access to the daily free 1GB Productivity Internet offer to 24 hours, until 31 December 2020, to support Malaysian's connectivity needs in Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).   TM ONE: Strengthened our position as digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings Scaled up the full capabilities of Cloud α (Cloud Alpha) suite of services with full data residency, locality and sovereignty. Appointed as the technology partner of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) to develop and maintain the Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020 (e-Census) platform. Continue to support state governments and local city councils to establish future-ready smart cities and smart homes via its TM ONE Smart City Solution enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) and various smart solutions.​   TM Wholesale: Continues to connect industry players, carriers, over-the-top (OTT) providers and content players in Malaysia and globally Domestic Secured a new contract with a domestic mobile player for cross ocean connectivity, backhaul connectivity solutions and broadband access capacity upgrade. New backhaul connectivity deal with a domestic mobile player for new backhaul services. International Expansion of content delivery services with an Asian-based OTT player. Secured a deal with an Asian-based OTT player for connectivity solution within Asia Pacific, and two (2) new long term data connectivity deals with global carriers. Additional voice business deals with global service providers worldwide. TM Network remained stable throughout CMCO as a result of continuous network optimisation. This is despite traffic utilisation surging between 30% to 50% depending on peak hours, from March 2020 to November 2020 due to more Malaysians working from home. Supporting the nation's digital agenda and addressing the digital divide: Remain committed to increasing connectivity reach via JENDELA and accelerating the digital economy with the recently announced MDEC collaboration. Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2020 Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Bank Negara Malaysia has revised Malaysia's annual gross domestic product (GDP) forecast to contract between 3.5% to 5.5%[1], against 4.3% growth in 2019. Uncertainty from the most recent wave of the pandemic from October onwards is expected to bring about further revision to these numbers. As the nation faces this adversity, relying even more on the internet and digital connectivity for work and studies, TM continues to serve as an essential service provider, ensuring stable network performance for the entire nation via both our retail and wholesale fronts. The Government's introduction of JENDELA in September 2020 as well as the RM7.4 billion allocations in the recent National Budget to deliver upgraded broadband services for year 2021 and 2022 will serve as a platform to accelerate Malaysia's digital connectivity through wider deployment of mobile, fibre and fixed wireless access. This will pave the way for 5G under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025). TM is at the forefront in collaborating with other service providers, enabling and delivering JENDELA. We continue to seek opportunities to cater for future demands of connectivity, in line with our proven commitment to maintain business profitability whilst adapting to and exploring new norms and avenues from this dynamic circumstances that the nation faces today. [1] Sourced from Bank Negara Malaysia, 14 August 2020

TM ONE REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO ENABLING MELAKA'S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ASPIRATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR & MELAKA, 30 DECEMBER 2024 – TM One, TM’s enterprise and government sector solutions arm, has reinforced its commitment to enabling Melaka’s digital and sustainable development through various collaborations with local agencies. Working with Majlis Perbandaran Alor Gajah (MPAG) and Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad (SAMB), TM One is deploying digital solutions to support the state’s economic growth, public services, and aspirations to become a model smart city. TM One also recently welcomed Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh, Melaka’s Chief Minister, to the TM Response Centre Melaka, one of three facilities that supports emergency responses across Malaysia. The Centre is staffed by over 150 personnel who manage emergency response calls 24/7, ensuring quality control, technical support, and data management. Handling over a million calls every month, the Centre serves as a critical national infrastructure that connects citizens with emergency responders, reinforcing public safety and security. Shazurawati Abd Karim, TM One’s Executive Vice President, said “The Chief Minister’s visit to TM’s Response Centre and our strategic partnerships with MPAG and SAMB underscore TM One’s expanded role in Melaka’s digitalisation journey. These essential services contribute to the state’s aspirations to enhance public safety, operational resilience, and sustainable urban growth, and are significant steps toward realising Melaka’s vision of becoming a premier smart city. This is part of TM’s aspirations to become a Digital Powerhouse, leveraging our offerings to help government agencies improve the quality of life for Melaka’s citizens.” Enhancing Urban Management In partnership with MPAG, TM One has introduced the Local Urban Observatory (LUO) Smart Solution, a data-driven platform designed to elevate urban monitoring and decision-making in Alor Gajah. This five-year collaboration integrates real-time data analytics, predictive insights, and public service tracking capabilities, enabling MPAG to monitor critical urban metrics, and gain insights on infrastructure management, public services, and environmental sustainability. Shazurawati commented, “Our LUO Smart Solution with MPAG exemplifies how AI and data analytics can drive sustainable urban planning and operational efficiencies. This collaboration empowers Alor Gajah to enhance its public service responsiveness and create a more liveable environment, aligning with Melaka’s smart city development.” Transforming Water Management To modernise Melaka’s water management services, TM One was appointed by SAMB to provide Smart Workforce Solutions. Leveraging the Open Innovation Platform (OIP) and a range of digital tools including Workflow and Job Assignment Software, the solution enables efficient task allocation and tracking for improved metering, restoration, and contractor management. Customised workforce monitoring devices further provide real-time data capture and reporting from on-site locations, improving operational visibility and safety. Additionally, high-speed mobile connectivity supports communication and coordination, ensuring swift task completion and better service quality. Shazurawati concluded, “Our partnership with SAMB highlights the transformative power of technology in essential services, improving efficiency through swift, coordinated responses to critical tasks. By digitalising workforce operations, we are enabling SAMB to improve operational resilience and elevate service standards for the people of Melaka.”

NEWSLETTER

Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!​