Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, U Mobile, has signed its first wholesale access agreement with Eastel in a move that signals stronger competition in the local mobile market.
The five-year deal allows Eastel, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) under Anchor Communications, to tap into U Mobile’s next-generation 5G and 4G networks for data, voice and SMS services, as well as international direct dialling, roaming and mobile number portability.
Eastel is the first 5G and 4G wholesale access seeker under U Mobile’s expanding network partnership programme, with its commercial launch scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
U Mobile Deputy Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Chang described the agreement as a milestone that strengthens the telco’s 5G foothold and broadens access for new players.
“U Mobile, as Malaysia’s newest 5G provider, is delighted to achieve another milestone with our first 5G and 4G wholesale access agreement with Eastel, an MVNO that will launch services early next year.
“This marks the start of more 5G wholesale partnerships to come, especially as our 5G network expansion targets 80 per cent population coverage by the second half of next year,” he said.
He added that U Mobile’s award-winning 4G and advanced 5G networks would continue to power opportunities for more telco players to leverage its future-proofed infrastructure and operational expertise.
“This move underscores our commitment to support the nation’s digital economy through greater market diversity
and competition,” Chang said.
Eastel Executive Director Aaron Lee said the tie-up with U Mobile would enable the company to pioneer a new kind of MVNO tailored for Malaysia’s gig and creator economy.
“Eastel is honoured to be U Mobile’s first 5G and 4G wholesale partner.
“By leveraging U Mobile’s ultra-fast networks, we aim to deliver niche, customisable and data-intensive applications that empower gig workers and creators. Together, we look forward to building a stronger, more connected Malaysia,” he said.
Under the agreement, Eastel will use U Mobile’s next-generation infrastructure to roll out targeted mobile services and solutions designed for specific market segments.
Licensed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as both an Application Service Provider (ASP) and Network Service Provider (NSP), Eastel aims to develop a digital ecosystem that promotes inclusivity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Its service plans and partnership opportunities will be announced closer to its commercial debut in early 2026.
Source: https://www.sarawaktribune.com/eastel-becomes-u-mobiles-first-5g-partner/
