A mobile network or cellular network is a form of communication network. It is distributed over land areas named “cells”, and every network serves by at least one fixed-location transceiver. A desirable feature of mobile networks is more extensive coverage than a single terrestrial transmitter. It also will minimise the power usage of mobile devices due to the proximity of a cell tower.
There are a lot of mobile networks from different companies available in Malaysia, but how to know which one is the best network for you? Do not worry; the list below is the top 10 mobile networks you can find and try in Malaysia.
Does Malaysia Have A 5G Network?
Malaysia was supposed to be among the first countries to roll out 5G in the Southeast Asian region, but the change of direction and multiple delays only started to roll out in late 2021. Today, YTL Communications’ YES 5G is the first and only telco in Malaysia that offers commercial 5G services. Despite being Malaysia’s main four mobile networks, Celcom, Maxis, Digi, and U Mobile have not provided 5G services to their users.
How To Find The Right Mobile Network For You?
This is a complicated subject because every mobile network carrier would advertise their services as the fastest in Malaysia. Do not be easily tricked; you must undertake thorough research about the benefits and drawbacks of a package offered by a specific company to prevent dissatisfaction with your decision. You should also evaluate your home’s location, as not all telecommunications networks work flawlessly everywhere, and some areas will experience poor signal and reception.
15 Best Mobile Networks in Malaysia 2023
1. Celcom
Part of the Axiata group of enterprises, Celcom happens to be Malaysia’s oldest mobile telecommunications company. It was established in Malaysia in 1988, exactly 34 years ago. Since it was one of the few companies to obtain a cellular phone licence, it introduced mobile telephony to the public. Celcom’s services are 2G, 3G, 4G, Fibre Broadband and mobile satellite network.
Check Info On Website2. Maxis
Maxis is a telecommunications company that provides a range of mobile, fixed-line, and broadband services to consumers and businesses. Founded in 1993, the company has grown to become one of the country’s leading providers of telecommunications services, focusing on innovation, customer service, and sustainable growth. With a strong presence in urban and rural areas, Maxis is committed to connecting people and businesses across Malaysia and beyond.
Refer Info On Website3. Telekom Malaysia (TM)go
Telekom Malaysia (TM)go is a mobile network operator in Malaysia that provides 4G LTE and 5G services to its customers. The company is a subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia, one of Malaysia’s largest telecommunications providers, and presents its users with a range of mobile plans and devices. TMgo also provides coverage in some areas where other networks may have limited or no coverage.
Website Info4. Hotlink
Hotlink is a well-known service offered by Maxis. This prepaid brand has more than 6.3 million users in Malaysia, making it among the most reliable mobile networks in the country. Hotlink was launched by Maxis on 19th October 1999 and provided prepaid plans, postpaid plans, calls and services to its users. Both of its plans rely on the 4G and LTE networks which are much faster than the 3G network.
View website5. Digi
Digi Telecommunications or Digi.Com Berhad, known as Digi, is a mobile service company in Malaysia. Digi was crowned the first telco in Malaysia to launch and operate a complete digital cellular network on 24 May 1995. On 21 June 2021, Aciata, Telenor and Digi agreed to a potential merger of Celcom and Digi. This is because they want to create a stronger telco in Malaysia. If this merger is approved, it is planned to be completed by the second quarter of 2022.
View website6. U Mobile
U Mobile Sdn Bhd is a mobile network invented in Malaysia and was founded as MiTV Networks Sdn Bhd in 1998. U Mobile is a wholly-owned subsidiary of U Television Sdn Bhd and operates 4G LTE and 4G LTE-A networks to promise its users a swift internet-browsing experience. This company used the 018 and 011 prefixes that will be allocated to the organisation by the government’s communications and multimedia organisation. U Mobile is one of Malaysia’s most-used mobile network providers, so you can easily find its physical stores all across the country.
View website7. UniFi Mobile
UniFi Mobile’s original brand name was Packet One Networks (P1) and was founded on 11 February 2002. UniFi Mobile operates 4G WiMAX, 4G LTE, and 4G LTE-A networks and is currently sharing spectrum from Celcom with 2G EDGE networks. If you plan to switch to UniFi Mobile, the great news is that it lets you keep your current number without any charges, making it one of the mobile networks in Malaysia that provides a swift and trouble-free transition.
View website8. Tune Talk
Tune Talk, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that signed an MVNO agreement with Celcom in December 2008. It officially released its commercial service on 19 August 2009 with the prefix “010” cellular service with lower IDD calling up to 10 per cent affordability compared with other competitors. Tune Talk provides an unlimited data roaming plan for only RM38 a day across multiple countries such as Bangladesh, Macao, Cambodia, Philippines, Sri Langka, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
View website9. Yes
YTL Communications or YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (conducting business as Yes) is Malaysia’s fifth mobile network operator, founded on 19 November 2010. Yes has been working with the Malaysian Ministry of Education to provide 10,000 primary and secondary national schools all over the country with a high-speed 4G internet connection with a cloud-based Frog VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) platform under the name 1BestariNet program. It also entered into partnerships with specific public colleges and universities in Malaysia to give the entire campus and buildings high-speed 4G internet and free data for educational purposes. In December 2021, Yes was one of the first operators to roll out 5G for its users and was branded Yes FT5G. The service is powered by Digital Nasional Berhad and is available in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.
View website10. XOX Mobile / ONEXOX
XOX Mobile was the first-ever Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) listed in Bursa Malaysia in 2011. Its broad coverage area will make travelling easy for you as you can enjoy connecting with your beloved ones across Malaysia. XOX Mobile is also the inventor of the BURN PROOF concept, which made it the only telco company in the country that gives special attention to leveraging the data, minutes and SMS to the optimum level. It is also a multiple award-winning mobile network striving with its continuous cycle of significant innovations.
View website11. redONE
redONE Network Sdn Bhd is an award-winning mobile network launched in 2012. Proudly to say, it is known for being the first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that provides mobile postpaid services using the fast and trustworthy 5-star network of Celcom Axiata. redONE not only focuses on postpaid plans but also prepaid plans as it wishes to help everyone to live a more leisurely life with a reliable mobile network.
View website12. Yoodo
Yoodo’s mission is to create a mobile service that allows its users to experience complete control of their plans. Yoodoo lets you decide the plans you plan to get as it removes pre-made plans, the binding contract and other things required while applying for a new mobile network. It breaks all the norms so people can experience the freedom of creating their plans.
View website13. Altel Communications
Altel Communications is a mobile network operator that delivers voice, data, and messaging services to postpaid and prepaid customers. The company aims to supply affordable mobile plans and excellent customer service to its users, focusing on the rural population of Malaysia.
View website14. Friendi Mobile
Friendi Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that operates on the Celcom Axiata network. The business presents affordable prepaid mobile plans with components such as data, voice, and SMS, as well as international roaming services. Friendi Mobile seeks to supply value to its customers while maintaining a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction.
View website15. Merchantrade Asia
Merchantrade Asia is a digital financial services company in Malaysia that presents mobile prepaid top-up, remittance, and e-wallet services to its customers. The firm employs a network of more than 400 retail locations across Malaysia and an online platform allowing users to access its services from anywhere.
View websiteDisclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us [email protected]. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
