Ericsson announced its latest telecom equipment deal with Celcom Axiata, a leading data network provider in Malaysia, to expand and upgrade its LTE network in Malaysia.
Ericsson will supply Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment to Celcom. Ericsson’s RAN equipment will serve as a platform to help Celcom evolve its network to 5G in the coming years.

“This partnership is strategic as it will not only help us further expand our LTE footprint but create the base for the launch of 5G services,” Mohamad Idham Nawawi, chief executive officer of Celcom Axiata, said.

Ericsson has added new hardware and software products to its Ericsson Radio System to enhance the agility and speed for the purpose of assisting service providers to roll out their 5G networks.

Ericsson in February 2018 said that its radio products within the Ericsson Radio System delivered since 2015 will support Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and 5G New Radio (NR) capabilities with a remote software installation.

Ericsson and Celcom in 2017 performed Malaysia’s first 5G trial on the 28 GHz band.