Inside Malaysia’s 6-way MOCN: How Maxis is implementing the world’s first such network sharing agreement
- The plan includes both important industry centers and rural areas.
- 8 fundamental ideas provide a high level framework for MNO engagement.
Malaysia’s cutting-edge 6-way Multi-Operator Core Network ( MOCN) initiative has been in operation since Jan. 2024, but the technical implementation and impact on the real world are still less well understood. Abdul Karim Fakir ( pic ), Chief Technology &, Strategy Officer, Maxis , at MWC 2025 in Barcelona, revealed fresh insights into how this first-of-its-kind collaboration functions and its significance for Malaysia’s digital landscape.
Fakir explained that the contract extends far beyond this area, despite the fact that the majority of the 6-way MOCN’s first publicity focused on improving connectivity in underserved areas.
During his demonstration at the Malaysian Pavilion, Fakir explained that this is a “national contract.” The global six-way MOCN should cover both essential market centers and underserved remote areas, according to the statement.
This comprehensive approach is a significant change from the traditional infrastructure-sharing models, which frequently concentrate solely on remote policy. Operators can enter into business agreements for sharing across various business types under the Malay design, which the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and industry consider to be the first of its kind in the world, probably changing the way network infrastructure is deployed throughout the nation.
How the six-way posting functions
The MOCN framework, as described in Maxis ‘ presentation, is based on eight fundamental ideas that set up a high-level framework for collaboration between the six mobile network operators ( MNOs ) participating: Celcom, Digi, Maxis, U Mobile, TM, and YTL Communications. Take note that while Celcom and Digi are merged, they each have community property under development and are undergoing community combination.  ,
The MOCN technology-based model includes both quiet sharing and effective sharing of physical infrastructure. addressing communication complaints, seven designated emphasis places, low-populated areas, and suburban and rural areas are among the priority areas.
Users can participate in either balance collaboration, where several operators share equally, or non-parity engagement, which may contain various levels of membership based on bilateral agreements between parties.
In a shared culture, quality control is paramount.
Maintaining support excellent across multiple providers is one of the most important issues with shared system. Fakir referred to a three-layered strategy for upholding value requirements.
For the professional necessity, he said,” We set the standard for what the sponsor needs to deliver, and that is number one.” Number two, they are also working with the MCMC to follow all open required criteria. Next and all, the telcos are monitored to make sure that we are maintaining the high standards for quality of service.
He acknowledged that while Malaysia has a lot of experience with sharing quiet infrastructure, effective sharing through MOCN is still relatively unknown territory. ” This is relatively new, and we need to go through the journey of knowledge from an administrative point.”
Beyond communication, there are other benefits to conservation.
The 6-way MOCN, in Maxis ‘ opinion, improves protection and provides significant economic gains. The sharing model results in energy efficiency gains of 20 % to 40 %, carbon footprint reductions of 10 % to 25 %, and resource efficiency gains of 15 % to 24 % for electronic waste.
These sustainability indicators connect the development of telecommunications infrastructure to several UN Sustainable Development Goals and align with the Environmental, Social, and Governance ( ESG) goals mentioned in the presentation.
progress toward a policy level of 100 %
The 6-way MOCN implementation is closely related to the JENDELA ( Jalinan Digital Negara ) program in Malaysia, which aims to provide 100 % population coverage for 4G composite and internet connectivity.
According to the roadmap presented by Maxis, Malaysia has already attained 97.3 % coverage as of Q3 2023, an increase from 91.8 % at the start of Jendela Phase 1. Through the continued Jendela Phase 2, which includes fresh initiatives under Jendela2, the nation is on record to have full coverage by 2025.  ,
Essential success elements
Maxis identified four interconnected columns that are essential to the success of the initiative:
- In keeping with government aspirations, supporting initiatives like Jendela and remote connection projects while still providing visible reports to policymakers.
- Creating a customer-first thinking by ensuring that, despite shared system, smooth connection and little downtime, service standards remain high.
- Industry collaboration spirit: Fostering trust among stakeholders and creating ethical models for resource sharing and joint ventures.
- Government support – Engaging in policy discussions and advocating for regulations that support initiatives to support the digital economy.
Questions of the commercial nature still exist
Although technical details were provided, the sharing arrangement’s commercial aspects were less clear. Fakir declined to provide specific details when questioned about cost savings in comparison to conventional deployment strategies. The current sharing is more about bringing back the Malaysian experience of supporting the government’s efforts to address the digital divide and provide coverage, he said. I don’t believe we want to go into specifics about Maxis ‘ commercial composition,” I wouldn’t think that.”
Industry observers will be closely watching as the 6-way MOCN expands beyond its initial locations to learn how this unique, world-first, model juggles cooperation on infrastructure and competition in the services. What is clear from Maxis ‘ presentation is that this is more than just a pilot project; it is a comprehensive national plan for telecommunications development that places a premium on both coverage and sustainability.
In order to support the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, the collaboration aims to provide 4G and 5G-ready facilities across the region’s diverse landscape. This partnership is a crucial step in ensuring that every community in Sarawak, regardless of location, has access to reliable, high-speed connectivity, according to Gayan Koralage ( pic ), director of Malaysia Business at Edotco.
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