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CelcomDigi Berhad (doing business as CelcomDigi, stylized as celcomdigi, formerly known as Mutiara Swisscom Berhad stylized as MUTIARA TELECOM, then DiGi Swisscom Berhad, stylized as DiGi, and also DiGi.Com Berhad, stylized as DiGi or digi), is a communications conglomerate and mobile service provider in Malaysia. Its largest shareholders are Axiata and Norwegian-based Telenor, who hold equal ownership in CelcomDigi at 33.1% each. CelcomDigi is the largest wireless carrier in Malaysia, with 20.3 million subscribers at the end of Q4 2022.[5]

Key Information

CelcomDigi is listed on the Bursa Malaysia under the Infrastructure category act via the stock ticker symbol "CDB".

History

[edit]

On 21 June 2021, Axiata and Telenor agreed to a potential merger of Celcom and Digi to create a stronger telco in Malaysia, coming after advanced discussions that took place two months earlier.[6][7][8]

The deal was approved by both Celcom and Digi shareholders on 18 November 2022. The merged company is named CelcomDigi. At completion, Axiata and Telenor would hold equal ownership of 33.1% each in the newly merged company. The merger was completed on 30 November 2022 and the company began its operation the next day.[9][10][11][12][13][14] Digi.Com Berhad was later renamed to CelcomDigi Berhad on 27 February 2023.

Subsidiaries

[edit]
  • Celcom Berhad (formerly known as Cellular Communications Network (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, then STM Cellular Communications Sdn Bhd, and also Celcom Axiata Berhad, commonly referred to as CelcomDigi Postpaid 5G, formerly Celcom GSM, then Celcom First, and also Celcom Mega)
    • Celcom Networks Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Celcom Transmission (M) Sdn Bhd, and then Celcom Microwave Sdn Bhd, commonly referred to as Spark by CelcomDigi, formerly Celcom ART 900, then Celcom Blue, and also Yoodo)
    • CelcomDigi Mobile Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as MRCB Telecommunication Sdn Bhd, then TM Cellular Sdn Bhd, and also Celcom Mobile Sdn. Bhd., commonly referred to as Blue Edition, formerly Emartel, then TMTouch, and also Xpax)
    • Celcom Retail Holding Sdn. Bhd.
      • Celcom Retail Sdn. Bhd.
    • Celcom Resources Berhad
      • Celcom Trading Sdn. Bhd.
    • Celcom Properties Sdn Bhd
    • Celcom eCommerce Sdn. Bhd.
    • Celcom Intelligence Sdn. Bhd.
    • Escape Axiata Sdn Bhd (registered as Celcom Escape Sdn. Bhd., commonly referred to as simply Yonder Music, formerly Escape by Celcom, then Celcom Sukses, and also Walla)
    • Celcom Timur (Sabah) Sdn. Bhd.
    • Infront Consulting Group (M) Sdn. Bhd.
      • Infront Consulting Group (S) Pte. Ltd.
    • Bridgenet Solutions Sdn. Bhd.
  • CelcomDigi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Punca Mutiara Sdn Bhd, then Mutiara Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, and also Digi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd., commonly referred to as Yellow Edition, formerly Digi 1800, then Beyond Prepaid, and also Digi Prepaid)
    • Y3llowLabs Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Djuice.Com Sdn Bhd)
  • InfraNation Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Y3llowNation Sdn Bhd, commonly referred to as CelcomDigi Postpaid 5G, formerly Digi Postpaid)

Coverage, products and services

[edit]
DiGi shop in Muar, Johor

CelcomDigi operates 2G EDGE, 4G LTE, 4G LTE-A networks and share the 5G NR network with DNB.

CelcomDigi is the second operator in Malaysia to launch VoLTE, initially available to iPhones running iOS 10.1 and above.[15]

CelcomDigi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Punca Mutiara Sdn Bhd, then Mutiara Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, and also Digi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd., commonly referred to as Yellow Edition, formerly Digi 1800, then Beyond Prepaid, and also Digi Prepaid), and InfraNation Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Y3llowNation Sdn Bhd, commonly referred to as CelcomDigi Postpaid 5G, formerly Digi Postpaid), provides a variety of mobile communication services. These services include voice under their prepaid plans & postpaid plans, SMS, data plans and services, international roaming, international calling card and WAP services.[citation needed]

From 30 November 2022 onwards, CelcomDigi will need to return their spectrum to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). As part of the merger conditions, Celcom and Digi agreed to return a total of 70 MHz of spectrum over a three-year period. This included 10 MHz in the 1800 MHz band, 20 MHz in the 2100 MHz band, and 40 MHz in the 2600 MHz band. The first band of divested spectrum had to be returned within two years of the merger's completion.[16]

As of Q1-Q2 2024, CelcomDigi has 4G LTE coverage of 97% on populated areas,[17] 4G LTE-A population coverage was at 92% nationwide.[18]

Frequencies Used on CelcomDigi Network in Malaysia
Band Frequency Frequency Width Protocol Notes
8 [19] FDD 900 MHz

Uplink: 885 MHz ~ 890 MHz

Downlink: 930 MHz ~ 935 MHz

2*5 MHz EDGE / LTE / LTE-A Digi

Validity through June 2032

FDD 900 MHz

Uplink: 890 MHz ~ 900 MHz

Downlink: 935 MHz ~ 945 MHz

2*10 MHz Celcom

Validity through June 2032

3 [20] FDD 1800 MHz

Uplink: 1745 MHz ~ 1765 MHz

Downlink: 1840 MHz ~ 1860 MHz

2*20 MHz EDGE / LTE / LTE-A Celcom

Validity through June 2032

FDD 1800 MHz

Uplink: 1765 MHz ~ 1785 MHz

Downlink: 1860 MHz ~ 1880 MHz

2*20 MHz Digi

Validity through June 2032

1 [21] FDD 2100 MHz

Uplink: 1960 MHz ~ 1980 MHz

Downlink: 2150 MHz ~ 2170 MHz

2*20 MHz LTE / LTE-A CelcomDigi Merged network
34 TDD 2100 MHz

2010 MHz ~ 2015 MHz

5 MHz No Deploy or Open Public Access Digi

Validity through April 2034

TDD 2100 MHz

2020 MHz ~ 2025 MHz

5 MHz Celcom

Validity through April 2034

7 [22] FDD 2600 MHz

Uplink: 2530 MHz ~ 2540 MHz

Downlink: 2650 MHz ~ 2660 MHz

2*10 MHz LTE / LTE-A Celcom

Validity through June 2027

FDD 2600 MHz

Uplink: 2540 MHz ~ 2550 MHz

Downlink: 2660 MHz ~ 2670 MHz

2*10 MHz Celcom

Lease spectrum from ALTEL, validity through August 2027

FDD 2600 MHz

Uplink: 2550 MHz ~ 2560 MHz

Downlink: 2670 MHz ~ 2680 MHz

2*10 MHz Digi

Lease spectrum from ALTEL, validity through August 2027

FDD 2600 MHz

Uplink: 2560 MHz ~ 2570 MHz

Downlink: 2680 MHz ~ 2690 MHz

2*10 MHz Digi

Validity through June 2027

Subscribers

[edit]

As of the second quarter of 2024, CelcomDigi's mobile subscriber base reached 20.06 million, with 12.94 million prepaid subscribers and 7.12 million postpaid subscribers. CelcomDigi's fiber subscriber base has grown to 163,000.

The blended Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) at RM65 for postpaid, RM28 for prepaid, and RM107 for fiber, driven by consistent demand across all mobile product offerings.[23]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

CelcomDigi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
CelcomDigi Berhad is a Malaysian telecommunications company that operates as the country's largest mobile network provider, offering mobile voice, data, , and digital services. Formed by the merger of Axiata Berhad and Digi.Com Berhad, completed on November 30, 2022, the entity was officially renamed CelcomDigi Berhad in February 2023, combining the networks and customer bases of both predecessors to create a digital telco champion with synergies projected at up to RM8 billion over five years. As of recent reports, CelcomDigi serves more than 20.4 million subscribers across Malaysia's widest and fastest network, including extensive coverage, 97% LTE in populated areas, and a focus on digital inclusion and innovation under CEO Idham Nawawi. The company, listed on , has emerged as the nation's most valuable telecom brand with a valuation of USD1.7 billion, emphasizing , network expansion, and responsible digital advancement.

History

Pre-Merger Background of Celcom and Digi

Celcom, Malaysia's oldest mobile operator, was established on January 5, 1988, initially as a under the name Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad, backed by Fleet Group Sdn. Bhd. and involving as a key . It pioneered cellular services in the country, starting with analog systems before transitioning to digital technologies, and by the early had evolved into Celcom Axiata Berhad as a fully integrated of Group Berhad, which provided strategic oversight and investment for network expansion. Pre-merger, Celcom maintained a subscriber base of approximately 13 million users, supported by over 11,000 network sites delivering , , and coverage across urban and rural areas, positioning it as a dominant player in voice and data services despite competitive pressures. Ownership remained concentrated under Axiata, enabling focus on infrastructure upgrades and enterprise solutions without significant foreign divestitures until merger discussions. Digi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd., operating under DiGi.Com Berhad, commenced operations on May 24, 1995, launching Malaysia's first fully digital 1800 MHz and introducing prepaid mobile services that democratized access to telephony. As a of Norway's ASA—which acquired a controlling stake in the late 1990s—Digi emphasized innovation in data connectivity, becoming the first provider to roll out GPRS (2.5G) services and later advancing to and , with a pre-merger emphasis on cost-efficient operations and youth-oriented marketing. By 2020, it served millions of subscribers through a robust network, holding a strong market position in postpaid and segments, underpinned by Telenor's global expertise in efficient spectrum utilization and customer segmentation. This foreign-majority ownership model contrasted with local conglomerates, fostering aggressive pricing and digital service diversification in a saturated market.

Merger Announcement and Regulatory Approval (2021-2022)

On April 8, 2021, Group Berhad and ASA announced they were in advanced discussions to merge the mobile network operations of their Malaysian subsidiaries, Berhad and Digi.com Berhad, aiming to create Malaysia's largest provider with combined assets including over 20 million mobile subscribers and extensive holdings. On June 21, 2021, the parties formalized a binding merger agreement through a share purchase agreement and master trade agreement, under which and would each hold a 33.1% stake in the merged entity, with the remaining shares distributed to existing shareholders of and Digi. The proposed merger was valued at approximately RM41 billion (about ) in enterprise value and sought to achieve annual synergies of RM1.5-2.0 billion through network integration and operational efficiencies. The merger required approvals from multiple Malaysian regulators, including the (MCMC), the Securities Commission Malaysia (SCM), , and shareholder consents from and Digi. In early , the MCMC initiated a formal review, issuing a Statement of Issues on April 1, , to address potential concerns in the mobile market, such as allocation and . On June 29, , the MCMC granted a notice of no objection, clearing the merger subject to commitments from the parties, including investments in network rollout, rural coverage expansion, and safeguards against anti-competitive practices. This approval followed scrutiny over , as the combined entity would control around 45% of Malaysia's mobile subscriptions, but regulators deemed the synergies beneficial for deployment and consumer services. 's shareholders subsequently approved the transaction in a meeting prior to completion, alongside SCM and clearances obtained later in .

Integration and Rebranding (2023 Onward)

In February 2023, Digi.Com Berhad was renamed CelcomDigi Berhad, marking the formal unification of the merged entities under a single . Following the merger's completion on November 30, 2022, the company initiated post-merger integration activities, including pilot network integration efforts in select clusters during the first quarter of 2023. Full-scale network integration and modernization commenced in June 2023, backed by a RM4 billion capital expenditure commitment over three years. On October 19, 2023, unveiled a new corporate identity and , designed to embody the integration of and Digi while symbolizing dynamism, customer focus, and excellence in and digitalization. The updated retained core colors but represented progress toward a unified , with customer-facing to follow in phases. By the end of 2023, the company had modernized 5,600 sites and achieved improvements in download data rates in consolidated areas. Network integration progressed steadily into 2024, reaching 44% completion by May, ahead of the three-year post-merger schedule. Organizational integration milestones for the first year were met, contributing to merger synergies. By the end of 2024, approximately 75% of the nationwide program was completed, surpassing targets and enabling enhanced investments. These efforts yielded positive financial momentum, with synergies from the merger beginning to materialize in operational efficiencies and service enhancements.

Corporate Structure

Ownership and Governance

CelcomDigi Berhad is a publicly listed company on , with its ownership primarily held by two strategic investors following the 2022 merger of Axiata Berhad and Digi Telecommunications. As of 30 September 2025, Group Berhad holds 33.1% of the shares (3,883,129,144 shares), while ASA, through its nominee Nominees (Asing) Sdn Bhd for Telenor Malaysia Investments Pte Ltd, also owns 33.1%. The Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia (EPF) is the third-largest shareholder with 10.7% (1,258,961,790 shares), reflecting significant institutional ownership typical in Malaysian telecom firms. Remaining shares are distributed among other institutional investors, mutual funds, and public/retail holders, with no single entity achieving majority control, ensuring a balanced influence from and on strategic decisions. The company's governance framework adheres to the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance 2021, emphasizing board oversight, , and stakeholder interests. The , comprising nine members as of mid-2025, includes a mix of independent non-executive, non-independent non-executive directors, and representatives from major shareholders to align with merger synergies. YM Tengku Dato’ Sri Azmil Zahruddin bin Raja Abdul Aziz serves as Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman since 19 January 2023, bringing expertise from prior roles at ; Jon Omund Revhaug acts as Deputy Chairman, representing interests. Independent directors such as Vimala V.R. Menon (Chair of the ), Khatijah Begom Shah Mohamed, and Iain John Lo (Chair of the Board Nomination and Remuneration Committee) provide oversight on financial reporting, , and . Key board committees include the for financial integrity, Nomination and Committee for leadership accountability, and Governance and Risk Management Committee for strategic risks, all chaired by independents to mitigate conflicts from shareholder nominees. The board delegates operational execution to the CelcomDigi Management Team while retaining responsibility for strategy, ethics, and compliance, with annual evaluations ensuring adherence to standards amid post-merger integration challenges. This structure supports shareholder value creation, as evidenced by commitments to transparency in the 2024 Integrated .

Leadership and Key Executives

Albern Murty has served as Acting and Deputy of CelcomDigi Berhad since September 1, 2025, following the completion of Idham Nawawi's term as CEO on August 31, 2025, for personal reasons. Murty brings over 20 years of experience, including prior roles in strategy and operations within Group entities. Nawawi, who led the company through its post-merger integration phase since 2022, continued as a board advisor until November 30, 2025, to support the transition. YM Tengku Dato’ Sri Azmil Zahruddin bin Raja Abdul Aziz chairs the as Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, a position he has held since January 19, 2023. His tenure includes oversight of amid the merger's synergies realization. Dennis Chia serves as , responsible for financial and reporting. Other key C-level executives include Praveen Rajan as Chief Consumer Business Officer, Kesavan Sivabalan as , and Datuk Kamal Khalid as Chief Transformation Officer, each contributing to operational and strategic functions post-merger. The board features a mix of independent and non-independent directors, such as Deputy Chair Jon Omund Revhaug and Vivek Sood, reflecting influences from parent entities and . Recent board adjustments occurred in June 2025, though specifics on individual changes were not detailed in announcements. CelcomDigi Berhad, through its subsidiaries, manages mobile communications, network infrastructure, retail distribution, and ancillary services in . The company's structure integrates legacy entities from the 2022 merger of Berhad and Digi.Com Berhad, with Berhad and its subsidiaries acquired as key assets contributing to operational scale. Total investment in subsidiaries stood at RM19,523,561,000 as of December 31, 2024. Core operating subsidiaries include CelcomDigi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (formerly Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd), in which CelcomDigi holds a 51% stake and which provides telecommunications services including mobile network operations. Wholly-owned entities such as Celcom Berhad oversee mobile telecommunications and network transmission, while InfraNation Sdn Bhd handles telecommunication infrastructure, including 5G-related agreements with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). Celcom Networks Sdn Bhd supports network capacity and services, and Celcom Retail Sdn Bhd manages retail stores and device distribution.
Subsidiary NameOwnershipPrincipal Activities
Celcom Berhad100%Core telecom operations, mobile services, network transmission
Celcom Networks Sdn Bhd100%Network communications, capacity, and services
CelcomDigi Mobile Sdn Bhd100%Mobile communications and application services
Celcom Retail Sdn Bhd100%Retail operations, device trading, store management
InfraNation Sdn Bhd100%Telecom infrastructure, site leasing and services
Celcom Timur (Sabah) Sdn Bhd80%Fibre optic networks, satellite services in
Related entities encompass joint ventures and associates, such as Tune Talk Sdn Bhd (35% ownership), a providing prepaid services. CelcomDigi holds a minor 0.02% stake in DNB, an associate focused on national infrastructure, facilitating site sharing and access. Dormant subsidiaries like Celcom Ecommerce Sdn Bhd and Celcom Intelligence Sdn Bhd exist for potential e-commerce and roles but report no active operations. In 2024, CelcomDigi disposed of its interest in Sacofa Sdn Bhd, previously an associate in telecom .

Operations and Infrastructure

Network Coverage and Technological Capabilities

CelcomDigi provides coverage to 97% of 's population, surpassing competitors by approximately 50% in reach. The company reports 96-98% population coverage for its combined and networks, supported by ongoing integration efforts that achieved 84% completion nationwide as of June 2025. Independent assessments, such as those from , position CelcomDigi as leading in download speeds and overall mobile experience in as of November 2024. 5G services rely on infrastructure from Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), with CelcomDigi accessing this shared network for deployment. The company proposed building a second national 5G in 2024, potentially independently or with partners, to enhance redundancy and capacity. Post-merger spectrum sharing has expanded holdings, including tripled downlink capacity in the 900 MHz band for former Digi assets, contributing to a total of around 150 MHz after regulatory returns. Technological advancements include AI-driven autonomous networks developed with Ericsson, enabling intent-based automation for improved efficiency and customer experience. Partnerships with Huawei and ZTE focus on AI-powered 5G evolution, including field trials for advanced applications in regions like Sarawak. CelcomDigi has demonstrated 5G capabilities in sectors such as oil and gas for safety enhancements, traffic management via neural networks, and robotics teleoperation, leveraging high-speed, low-latency connections. Network modernization, including tower partnerships with entities like Edotco and Edgepoint, supports these capabilities amid 80% integration progress as of March 2025.

Products and Services Offered

CelcomDigi provides , data services, and connectivity across , utilizing its EDGE, LTE/LTE-A, and networks shared with Berhad. Core offerings include postpaid and prepaid mobile plans with support, enabling voice calls, , and high-speed internet access for consumers and businesses. These plans emphasize unlimited or high-quota data allowances, hotspot sharing, and bundled streaming perks to cater to diverse user needs. Postpaid mobile services feature plans like the CelcomDigi Postpaid 40 SE, which delivers 100GB of combined / data (including 40GB all-day quota plus extras under 12-month contracts), alongside unlimited calls to all networks and international options. DataSIM variants start at RM79 monthly for device powering without voice features, prioritizing data-heavy usage on the fastest available network. Prepaid alternatives, such as Prepaid NX from RM25 monthly, offer all-day coverage, unlimited on-net calls, and hotspot capabilities for flexible, top-up-based access. The SpeedSTREAM prepaid bundle, priced from RM44 monthly, targets streaming users with 4K UHD support for major apps and steady data quotas. Fixed and portable products complement mobile services, including unlimited home fibre plans starting at RM129 monthly for high-speed wired customized by household size and needs. The Home option, an online-exclusive at RM69 monthly, provides installation-free, router-included access with unlimited /4G data up to 300Mbps, suitable for non-fibre areas. sticks under plans like Broadband 45 (RM45 monthly, 25GB quota) and Broadband 65 (RM65 monthly, 50GB quota) support portable data needs with advance payments. Ancillary services enhance user experience, including exclusive device purchases such as smartphones from Apple and with customer discounts via the CelcomDigi shop. Roaming passes enable seamless international connectivity, activated through the CelcomDigi app for bill management, payments, and rewards. Security-focused add-ons like MobileSHIELD, an AI-driven app at RM10 monthly, protect against scams, , and identity leaks via real-time threat detection. The unified CelcomDigi app integrates self-service tools for plan upgrades, usage tracking, and e-invoicing.

Subscriber Base and Market Share

As of the second quarter of 2025, CelcomDigi reported a total subscriber base of 20.4 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 151,000 subscribers, or 0.7%. This figure encompasses mobile and services, with mobile subscribers comprising the majority at approximately 18.81 million as of the first quarter of 2025, including 12.98 million prepaid and 5.84 million postpaid users. Postpaid subscribers demonstrated particular growth, rising by 340,000 year-on-year in the first quarter, driven by targeted offerings and network enhancements. The merger of and Digi, completed in late 2022, consolidated their pre-merger bases of roughly 10 million and 11 million mobile subscribers, respectively, enabling CelcomDigi to achieve scale and reduce churn through . Subscriber growth has been supported by expansions in coverage and fibre-to-the-home offerings, with fibre contributing to the overall total beyond pure mobile metrics. However, declined slightly to RM40 in the first half of 2025, amid competitive pricing pressures. In Malaysia's mobile market, CelcomDigi commands the largest share, estimated at around 46-50% as of 2024-2025, positioning it ahead of (approximately 23-37%) and (13-21%). This dominance stems from the merger's synergies, which enhanced network reach and , though exact shares vary by metric (e.g., connections versus revenue) and source reporting. The company's focus on postpaid and value-added services has bolstered its position amid a national mobile penetration rate exceeding 140%, with total industry subscribers approaching 45 million.

Financial Performance

Following the merger's completion in late 2022, CelcomDigi Berhad recorded a substantial increase in fiscal year 2023 (FY2023), reflecting the consolidation of and Digi operations, with total reaching approximately RM12.68 billion. This marked a significant uplift from pre-merger levels, driven primarily by combined subscriber bases and expanded service portfolios, though exact pre-merger comparatives are complicated by partial-year integration. In FY2024, remained largely stable at RM12.68 billion, showing flat year-over-year growth amid market saturation and competitive pressures in Malaysia's telecom sector. Postpaid service , however, grew 2.6% year-over-year to RM4.18 billion, supported by a net addition of 374,000 subscribers through enhanced bundled plans, while prepaid experienced a 3.4% decline to RM4.42 billion due to subscriber attrition, though losses slowed in the latter quarters. Profitability faced headwinds, with profit after (PAT) declining 11.3% to RM1.38 billion from RM1.55 billion in FY2023, attributable to one-off merger-related financial adjustments including impairments and restructuring costs. Excluding these adjustments, underlying earnings before interest and (EBIT) and PAT showed improvement, bolstered by cost synergies estimated at over RM1 billion annually from network and operational efficiencies. Into FY2025, early indicators point to modest revenue acceleration and profitability recovery. For the first half ended June 30, 2025, rose 2.3% year-over-year to RM6.39 billion, with second-quarter service revenue steady at RM2.69 billion and postpaid revenue up 3.8% to RM1.08 billion on 5.8% subscriber growth in high-value segments. PAT for the second quarter improved 5.5% to RM439 million, and half-year PAT increased 5.1% to RM823 million, driven by disciplined cost management, EBIT growth of 12.3%, and higher in postpaid plans. EBITDA for FY2024 stood at RM5.80 billion, with margins around 46%, reflecting ongoing realization despite regulatory and inflationary pressures. Analysts project average annual revenue growth of 1.4% over the next three years, tempered by mature market dynamics but supported by investments and enterprise expansion.
Fiscal YearTotal Revenue (RM billion)PAT (RM billion)Key Notes
202312.681.55Merger-driven consolidation boosts scale; EBITDA up 104% YoY.
202412.681.38Flat revenue; PAT dip from one-offs, offset by synergies.
2025 (H1)6.39 (half-year)0.82 (half-year)2.3% revenue growth; PAT up 5.1% on cost efficiencies.

Key Financial Metrics and Investor Relations

CelcomDigi Berhad recorded of RM3.18 billion for the second quarter of 2025 (Q2 FY2025), ended June 30, 2025, reflecting a 2.3% year-over-year increase from RM3.11 billion in the prior-year period, driven by growth in postpaid, home fibre, and enterprise segments alongside higher non-service . Service , however, dipped 0.7% year-over-year due to pressures and subscriber mix shifts. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) advanced 12.3% to RM736 million, supported by cost efficiencies and operational leverage from merger synergies. Profit after tax (PAT) improved 5.5% to RM439 million, with earnings per share (EPS) at RM0.037, up from RM0.035 in Q2 FY2024.
Key MetricQ2 FY2025Q2 FY2024YoY Change
RM3.18BRM3.11B+2.3%
EBITRM736MRM655M+12.3%
PATRM439MRM416M+5.5%
EPSRM0.037RM0.035+5.7%
CelcomDigi declared an interim of 3.8 sen per share for Q2 FY2025, payable in 2025, consistent with its of distributing a portion of to shareholders while funding network investments. The company maintains a net position managed through disciplined capex allocation, with 2025 capex guidance focused on rollout and fibre expansion. Investor relations activities include quarterly earnings releases via , detailed financial presentations, and analyst briefings, as evidenced by the Q2 FY2025 earnings call on August 18, 2025, which highlighted sustained profitability amid competitive pressures. The IR portal provides access to annual reports, debt securities information, and shareholder data, with ongoing engagement through roadshows and ESG disclosures aligned with requirements. As of Q2 FY2025, the trades under code 6947 on , with institutional ownership reflecting confidence in merger-driven efficiencies despite market volatility in telecom valuations.

Strategic Developments and Achievements

Merger Synergies and Operational Efficiencies

Following the merger's completion in November 2022, CelcomDigi realized gross synergies totaling RM1.09 billion from January 2023 to June 2024, encompassing scale efficiencies, procurement optimizations, and capital expenditure avoidance. In the first year of full operations (2023), the company achieved gross synergy savings exceeding RM300 million, primarily through enhanced sourcing efficiencies and renegotiated commercial terms with vendors. By the second year of integration (2024), net synergy savings reached RM1.6 billion, driven by accelerated network rationalization and operational streamlining across legacy systems. Network integration efforts contributed significantly to efficiencies, with 75% of sites consolidated by mid-, enabling reduced duplication in maintenance and utilization. This led to capex savings and improved EBITDA margins, as evidenced by a 48.3% margin in Q3 (EBITDA of RM1,509 million), reflecting robust controls amid stabilization. Operational enhancements also included procurement synergies of RM366 million in 2023, achieved via leverage and supplier contract optimizations. Looking ahead, CelcomDigi anticipates steady-state annual cost savings of RM700–800 million post-2027, primarily from OPEX reductions in network operations and administrative functions. These projections align with integration milestones, including full system unification by 2025, which are expected to further boost profitability through in a consolidated market. Despite one-off merger costs impacting FY2024 EBIT by 13.4%, normalized growth in EBIT (4.0%) and PAT (11.6%) underscored the efficiencies' positive flow-through.

Innovations in Network Modernization and Expansion

CelcomDigi initiated a comprehensive post-merger network integration and modernization program in 2023, targeting upgrades to its combined 4G infrastructure to enhance capacity, reliability, and readiness for 5G deployment. By July 2024, the company had surpassed 50% completion of the initially projected three-year exercise, upgrading over 7,200 sites nationwide. This accelerated pace positioned CelcomDigi to achieve 75% modernization by the end of 2024, with full completion of upgrades in key areas such as Penang. Progress continued into 2025, reaching 84% nationwide integration by June, enabling improved speeds and coverage for an average monthly usage of 38 GB per subscriber. The program involved rationalizing redundant sites from the and Digi legacies, deploying advanced (RAN) equipment, and optimizing backhaul to support higher throughput. These efforts were supported by renewed master lease agreements with tower operators including EDOTCO, EdgePoint Infrastructure, and D'Harmoni, facilitating site expansions and co-location for denser coverage in urban and suburban zones. In 5G advancements, CelcomDigi achieved a world-record mobile speed of 30.8 Gbps using technology in a live trial with and in on August 13, 2024, leveraging mmWave spectrum and massive configurations. The company submitted a proposal on July 31, 2024, to deploy Malaysia's second network via Berhad (DNB), emphasizing its modernized infrastructure as a foundation for nationwide rollout. Complementing this, CelcomDigi partnered with in April 2025 to co-develop AI-driven autonomous networks, focusing on and dynamic for service assurance. Expansion initiatives included joining the Aduna ecosystem in March 2025 to provide APIs, such as number verification and SIM swap services, enhancing developer access to programmable infrastructure for and IoT applications. In September 2025, CelcomDigi piloted an AI-powered traffic intelligence solution with industry partners, aiming to scale intelligent traffic management to major cities for optimized performance and reduced latency. These innovations underscore a shift toward software-defined networks, with investments prioritizing and to support enterprise-grade services amid growing data demands.

Controversies and Criticisms

Regulatory Scrutiny on Competition and Market Consolidation

The proposed merger between Axiata Berhad and Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, announced in June 2021 and targeting completion in 2022, underwent rigorous review by the (MCMC) under the sectoral merger control provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA). Unlike general mergers, consolidations fall outside the (MyCC) jurisdiction, as the exempts the sector, leaving MCMC to assess impacts on , , and consumer welfare through a dedicated authorisation process under Section 140 of the CMA. MCMC initiated a audit in November 2021 to evaluate potential anti-competitive effects, focusing on reduced rivalry in a market previously dominated by four major mobile operators (, Digi, , and ). On April 1, 2022, MCMC issued a Statement of Issues (SOI) to both parties, outlining preliminary concerns that the merger could substantially lessen competition in four key communications markets: retail mobile services, mobile broadband, wholesale access, and international services. Specific risks included higher prices, reduced service quality, and barriers to entry for smaller players or mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) post-consolidation, as the combined entity would command approximately 45% market share, creating a duopoly-like structure with Maxis. Celcom and Digi responded by proposing voluntary undertakings and remedies to mitigate these effects, including enhanced wholesale access obligations, support for MVNO expansion, and commitments to invest in network upgrades without passing consolidation costs to consumers. Despite these safeguards, the merger drew criticism from consumer advocates, including the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), which argued it risked entrenching oligopolistic pricing power and urged MyCC intervention to block it, highlighting the absence of a unified national merger regime. MCMC ultimately authorised the transaction on June 29, 2022, after verifying the undertakings addressed risks, deeming the merger beneficial for national interests through expected synergies like RM500 million to RM1 billion in annual cost savings for network investments. The approval included enforceable conditions, such as and MVNO facilitation, enforceable via MCMC oversight, though ongoing monitoring has revealed implementation challenges in realising pro-competitive benefits amid market consolidation. Following the merger of Axiata and Digi Berhad in November 2022, CelcomDigi encountered significant operational hurdles in integrating disparate network infrastructures, resulting in intermittent service disruptions and degraded coverage in various regions. Tower consolidation efforts, aimed at eliminating redundancies, led to complaints of unreliable connectivity, with users reporting no mobile access despite full signal bars, particularly in urban and rural overlaps. These issues peaked during 2023 and , described by company executives as the height of integration challenges, involving the modernization of thousands of sites and refarming. Specific incidents highlighted vulnerabilities in service reliability. On November 7, 2023, a fire at a transmission facility caused a network outage affecting approximately 210,000 users in and states, disrupting voice, data, and services for several hours. In May 2024, an unannounced nationwide outage prevented users from accessing most mobile applications beyond basic messaging apps like and Telegram, prompting widespread frustration over lack of prior notification. Such events underscored broader post-merger teething problems, including initial billing inconsistencies and handover delays between legacy and Digi systems. Customer dissatisfaction extended to perceived declines in overall , with surveys and user feedback indicating slower data speeds and inconsistent coverage compared to pre-merger levels. Qualitative studies post-merger noted varied responses, including dissatisfaction from service interruptions during the transition, though some users appreciated eventual enhancements. CelcomDigi acknowledged these risks in its 2024 annual reporting, citing potential operations disruptions as a key concern impacting , while pursuing mitigation through ongoing IT and network harmonization. By mid-2024, the company reported a 69% reduction in network-related complaints, attributing it to integration progress, though isolated regional issues, such as in , persisted due to terrain and infrastructure demands.

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