U Mobile partnered with SACOFA in a strategic deal to be its premier fiber backhaul partner to provide Sarawak’s next-generation 5G rollout. This development implies U Mobile’s plan to deploy the required facilities for the wider connectivity as well as expand its ULTRA5G network further in Malaysia.
SACOFA will be at the forefront of building strategic telecommunication infrastructure under the pact that will support the deployment of high-quality 5G services, enabling high-capacity backhaul connectivity to regional Points of Interconnect (POIs). Not only does this pave the way for next-gen connectivity, but also for the delivery of ULTRA5G experience to Sarawak businesses and communities. U Mobile is thereby aligning its growth with regional digitalisation strategies and national aspirations in this move.
This partnership will have U Mobile and SACOFA work together to bring about faster deployment of 5G in Sarawak, ahead of schedule to be installed at full capacity in the state. This partnership is to put Sarawak on track to achieve its 5G coverage ahead of U Mobile’s larger overall objective of 80% Coverage of Populated Areas (CoPA) by mid-2026. The focus on infrastructure highlights the telecom sector’s drive for lasting capacity and performance.
“U Mobile is pleased to appoint SACOFA as our fibre backhaul partner for the rollout of our next generation 5G network in Sarawak. This partnership is a key enabler in our drive to deliver our ULTRA5G experience, empowering consumers and enterprises in the state to harness cutting-edge technologies and thrive in the digital economy. By leveraging SACOFA’s extensive fibre infrastructure, we will work together to ensure that Sarawak becomes one of the earliest states to complete 5G deployment. This collaboration also supports the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, which envisions a dynamic, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital ecosystem for the state,” said Wong Heang Tuck, CEO of U Mobile.
“The alliance between SACOFA & U Mobile strongly aligns with the Sarawak Government’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which identifies digital transformation as one of the six key economic enablers. The strategy highlights the importance of modernising various sectors and enhancing productivity through technology. Today’s collaboration reflects this vision in action, using 5G as a catalyst for enterprise growth, service innovation, and industry advancement,” stated YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication for Sarawak and Chairman of SACOFA.
“This strategic partnership marks another important milestone for SACOFA and represents a crucial step forward for Sarawak. Through the investment in 5G infrastructure and collaboration with U Mobile, SACOFA aims to deliver faster and more reliable connections to local businesses and communities. SACOFA is committed to meeting expectations and supporting the objectives of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 by delivering seamless and reliable 5G backhaul services on its network. Our goal is to ensure the success of this development for all stakeholders,” said Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman B Abdul Taib, Managing Director of SACOFA.
The 10-year partnership agreement between U Mobile and SACOFA was signed at a ceremony at SACOFA’s corporate headquarters in Kuching. It was witnessed by Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman B Abdul Taib, SACOFA Managing Director, and Wong Heang Tuck, U Mobile CEO. The occasion witnessed the participation of YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, SACOFA Chairman and Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak and YB Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Telecommunication), and Dato’ Mat Hassan bin Esa, Director of SACOFA.