KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 29): Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) have entered into a collaboration in delivering high-quality digital experience to all Malaysians through the provision of reliable broadband and content services.

In a joint statement, the companies said Astro’s wholly-owned subsidiary MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd and TM inked deals on Wednesday to collaborate as part of their commitment to supporting the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) initiative in providing wider broadband coverage and a better experience nationwide.

They added that through the collaboration, TM, via its global and wholesale business arm TM Wholesale, will provide Astro with a full suite of infrastructure and connectivity solutions. 

This comprises the whole range of wholesale services inclusive of high-speed broadband (HSBB), bandwidth, backhaul and Internet access.

“This extensive and robust fibre network infrastructure will enable TM together with Astro to provide high-quality and reliable connectivity to their end users,” the companies added. 

The companies said that with TM’s HSBB service, Astro will also be able to provide broadband services to its customers without having the need to build new infrastructure, while extending its coverage to wider areas across the country via a fibre network.

“As for Internet services, TM’s Internet access solution will enable Astro to offer high-performance Internet connectivity and a comprehensive solution to its customers,” they added.

Additionally, to complete the services, TM will also provide Astro with its Content Delivery Network (TM CDN), a newly-developed content platform service that delivers seamless, faster and secure digital content, which would enable Astro to strengthen the video streaming efficiency of its current service offerings.

TM group chief executive officer (CEO) Imri Mokhtar said that as the digital infrastructure accelerator in Malaysia, TM had always been a strong advocate of infrastructure sharing.

“Thus, we are honoured to be given this opportunity to leverage each other’s expertise to provide Malaysians with high-quality broadband and content services that we have.

“This strategic collaboration also demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Malaysians are provided with a seamless and ‘always-on’ connectivity experience. We are happy to work with Astro and this is yet another testament to our pivotal role as the enabler of digital Malaysia aspirations,” he added.

Meanwhile, Astro group CEO Henry Tan said that the strategic partnership with TM lays the foundation for Astro to be an Internet service provider.

“Astro’s goal is to provide Malaysians with the best digital experience and broadband value proposition. 

“Leveraging the strength of TM’s wide HSBB network will enable Astro to realise new revenue streams, scaling our broadband service with content bundles, or stand-alone broadband and other product lines. This deal gives us more flexibility to offer great value and convenience to our customers,” he added.

At the noon break on Wednesday, Astro’s share price stood unchanged at 99 sen, valuing the group at RM5.3 billion. 

Shares in TM, meanwhile, were up one sen or 0.17% at RM5.76, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM21.8 billion.