In a network update to the media earlier today, Digi revealed that it has expanded its 4G LTE network coverage to up to 85% of Malaysia’s population. It has also expanded its LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network coverage to serve 41% of Malaysians, making it the widest LTE-A amongst local telcos.
The yellow telco has been aggressively expanding its network across Malaysia over the past year. Digi claims it now has the widest LTE network in the country.
Its 4G LTE network now serves 85% of Malaysia’s population in 275 cities and towns (data: end-2016). Specifically in Peninsula Malaysia, coverage tops at 97%. Over in Sabah and Sarawak, its footprint currently stands at 74% and 73% respectively.
In the recently released Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Network Performance Report 2016, Digi’s 4G LTE network fared well. In fact, the network is regarded as the best network in Malaysia with the lowest latency and high responsiveness – making it ideal for entertainment.
Digi reiterated that it’s not “obsessed with speed,” instead focused on building network performance to provide better and more consistent lag-free experience.
The leading telco defines LTE speeds as 10Mbps 80% of the time. Not quite an ITU definition, though.
LTE: Peak download rate – 100Mbps, peak upload rate – 50Mbps (theoretical)
LTE-A: Peak download rate – 1,000Mbps, peak upload rate – 500Mbps (theoretical)
In terms of average download throughput speeds, Digi still lags Maxis and Celcom.
However, for those seeking faster internet speeds can look to the next step – LTE-A. Digi has been bumping up its network for the past 12 months, and now has the widest LTE-A coverage in the country, reaching 41% of Malaysians. The ability to take advantage of the higher internet speeds however depends on whether smart devices support LTE-A.
An advantage of an all-IP network is the support for Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), something that YTL Communications has been touting over its Yes network. Digi says VoLTE is available at all of its 4G LTE sites. If you haven’t experienced VoLTE yet, you will be mind-blown at the high-definition voice quality and faster call connection.
Coming soon is also Voice-over-WiFi technology.
An inherent problem with all telcos is indoor coverage and data performance. This is expected to improve, as Digi will activate its 900Mhz spectrum in July. It calls this “a game changer,” bringing stronger indoor coverage, wider outdoor coverage and better internet capacity.
Its current network runs on 1800MHz and 2600MHz spectrums which offer high speeds but a lower coverage area, and poorer indoor coverage.
If anything, Digi customers and Malaysian customers can look forward to a better internet and voice experience in the coming months on Digi’s LTE network.
For more information on Digi’s 4G LTE network, visit digi.my/4GLTE.
Are you a Digi customer? How’s your experience so far? Comment below.
