CelcomDigi has completed a connectivity and tower infrastructure rollout across IOI's plantation estates in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
The deployment covers more than 100 estates and includes over 100 4G and 4G LTE network sites. CelcomDigi also installed dedicated Direct Internet Access connections for estate offices within the vicinity.
The companies said the network forms part of IOI's effort to expand digital systems across plantation operations. The work covers both field locations and sites linked to mills and estate management.
Network rollout
CelcomDigi described the rollout as an end-to-end deployment across IOI's estates. The company positioned the work as an estate-wide connectivity foundation for plantation operations.
CelcomDigi said the connectivity links to IOI's planned use of automation and mobile applications. It also referenced IoT use in asset and fleet management. The companies also pointed to future data-led uses in plantation management.
In a statement, CelcomDigi drew a link between consistent coverage and operational changes in the plantation sector. It pointed to improvements in operational efficiency and higher digital adoption among early adopters.
Ts. Afizulazha Abdullah, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, CelcomDigi, says, "For the plantation sector, we see that businesses with consistent, estate-wide connectivity achieve measurable improvements in operational efficiency and digital adoption. Early adopters report higher productivity and faster progress toward revenue goals, particularly through connected operations."
"IOI now has the digital foundation to scale automation and intelligent systems across its plantations and mills. This is how we power the next phase of growth-building networks that deliver operational gains, support sustainable practices, and strengthen surrounding communities."
Plantation operations
IOI framed the connectivity rollout as part of a longer-term shift in how it runs plantations. The company said it plans to integrate operations and use connected systems for decision-making and management tasks.
Mr NB Sudhakaran, Plantation Director, IOI, says, "IOI's ambition is to transform our plantations into integrated, connected operations that can compete on productivity and sustainability over the long term. Partnering with CelcomDigi aligns with this ambition as they bring the network capability and a shared commitment to solving practical challenges on the ground."
"By leveraging this widespread connectivity as the foundation for integrated digital operations, we aim to scale automation, implement smart fleet and asset management, and strengthen data‑led decision‑making."
The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deployment. They also did not set out a timetable for follow-on projects linked to the network build, such as specific automation programmes or software deployments.
Rural coverage
CelcomDigi said the connectivity reaches areas beyond estate boundaries. It said the network improves coverage for surrounding rural communities.
The company linked the expanded coverage to access to education, healthcare, and digital services. It also positioned the rollout in the context of digital inclusion and participation in the digital economy.
The announcement comes as Malaysian enterprises in agriculture and resource sectors invest in connectivity and digital tools across dispersed sites. Large plantations often operate across remote and rural locations. Mobile coverage, fixed internet access, and network resilience can shape the pace of technology deployment across operations.
CelcomDigi said the IOI project reflects its focus on providing digital foundations for enterprises as Malaysia pursues wider adoption of next-generation networks, including 5G.
Source: https://itbrief.asia/story/celcomdigi-powers-ioi-estates-with-new-4g-networks
