KUALA LUMPUR (May 27): Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ZTE (M) Corp Sdn Bhd to further explore the potential of 5G technology in Malaysia.

In a statement today, Digi Telecommunications said the partnership will explore several aspects of required collaboration to make 5G technology a reality in Malaysia. These aspects include 5G live trials of end-to-end network functions and features, and pilot trials of 5G use cases for enhanced mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, ultra-reliable low-latency communication and massive machine type communications.

"The trials will be conducted using low, mid and high 5G spectrum bands," it said.

Digi Telecommunications chief technology officer Kesavan Sivabalan said in the statement the partnership solidifies the company's belief that collaborations and trials are key to explore use cases that are relevant to Malaysia.

As such, collaborations and trials form a part of Digi Telecommunications' next steps to work towards implementing 5G technology in the country, he said.

"We acknowledge that deploying 5G in Malaysia has to be a multi-party effort, and we look forward to more collaborations such as these to accelerate the adoption of the technology in Malaysia. These trials and demonstrations will give us more insights into what is needed in order to implement 5G according to the needs of the country," Kesavan said.

ZTE managing director Steven Ge said in the statement the company looks forward to working closely with local partners to make 5G a reality in Malaysia.

"As a global network provider and one of the pioneers in 5G, we look forward to work closely along with local partners to make 5G a reality here in Malaysia," Ge said.