KUALA LUMPUR: Celcom Axiata Bhd has formed an exclusive collaboration with LG UPlus Corp, a South Korean cellular carrier under LG Corp, and Malaysia's leading fully-integrated media group Media Prima Bhd to explore potential 5G content and services cutting across VR and AR technologies for local consumers.
Celcom said with the rising trend of video streaming for various lifestyles among Malaysians today, the collaboration aimed towards the delivery of digital Korean entertainment content and local content such as travel vlogs, using AR/VR technology and 5G.
"Utilising 5G technology with a greater network capacity, faster speed and lower latency, Celcom is set to drive the 5G content ecosystem in Malaysia focusing on entertainment, gaming, education and productivity.
"As 5G services are scheduled to be available in Malaysia by end 2021, Celcom aims to collaborate and explore with more technology players and position 5G products with bundled services which includes 5G mobile plans, 5G devices and 5G home plans," Celcom said in a joint statement today.
LG UPlus demonstrated the world's first 5G service in December 2018.
As a leading mobile carrier in the 5G era, LG UPlus has heavily invested in developing more enjoyable 5G-based content services that run on the next-generation network, which promises low latency and speeds up to 20 times faster than LTE.
"LG UPlus continues to lead efforts to establish a 5G ecosystem through its diverse contents and investments that can be used for a variety of content including entertainment, education, home training and games.
"LG UPlus is working on exporting its 5G network-based content and technological know-how to overseas carriers to create a more competitive business model and expand its presence," Celcom said.
Celcom chief executive officer Idham Nawawi said the pact signified the company's eagerness to deliver 5G content and services for both local and international contents to its Malaysian consumers.
"Celcom has conducted more than 40 pilot 5G use cases that involved various industry verticals and enterprises, enabling Celcom to learn better about how 5G technology can be applied to create solutions, implement digital applications and services for consumers.
LG UPlus vice president of XR services Yoon Ho Choi said more countries were commercialising its 5G networks, increasing the opportunity to expand 5G ecosystem.
"We are delighted to be working with Malaysia's telecommunications industry leader and give access to LG Uplus' content. Once Celcom launches its 5G services, we expect to provide more users with high-quality 5G content services and allow them to enjoy LG UPlus's rich and diverse VR and AR entertainment content.
"LG UPlus has already set off a VR and AR entertainment craze in South Korea, and we hope this craze will soon reach Malaysia, and allow consumers to enjoy 5G based digital experience."
Media Prima managing director Rafiq Razali said 5G would definitely bring forward a new way on how people think about connectivity and content.
"It will enable new insights and efficiencies to not only homes but also businesses. At Media Prima, we are always looking for ways to push boundaries, and we are excited to have new and innovative ways for audiences to consume our content. This is a moment to celebrate the arrival of high-quality contents for the masses, and the boundless connectivity for all Malaysians now and for generations to come," Rafiq added.