By AZALEA AZUAR / Pic by TMR FILE PIX

Celcom Axiata Bhd (Celcom) collaborates with LG Corporation’s cellular carrier LG Uplus Corp and Media Prima Bhd to explore potential 5G content and services across virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies for Malaysian consumers.

The high demand for video streaming services among Malaysians prompted this collaboration to deliver digital Korean entertainment content and local content such as travel vlogs, using AR or VR technology and 5G.

Celcom would be using its 5G technology with a greater network capacity, faster speed and lower latency to drive Malaysia’s 5G content ecosystem which would be focusing on entertainment, gaming, education and productivity.

The network providers aim to collaborate and explore with more technology players and positioning 5G products with bundled services as 5G services are scheduled to roll out in Malaysia by the end of this year.

These offers include 5G mobile plans, 5G devices and 5G home plans.

On the other hand, LG Uplus would be focused 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.

The major South Korean telecom operator would continue 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.

The operator is currently 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 CEO Idham Nawawi (picture) said the company’s partnership with LG Uplus and Media Prima represents Celcon’s eagerness to bring 5G content and services for both local and foreign contents to their Malaysian customers.

“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.

“Celcom will work closely with LG Uplus and Media Prima on the delivery of 5G applications and digital experiences, as we believe in collaborating across industries as the way forward for converged connectivity,” he said.

LG Uplus VP of XR Service Yoon Ho Choi felt that more countries are commercialising its 5G networks.

In return, this would increase the opportunity to expand the 5G ecosystem.

“We are delighted to be working with Malaysia’s telecommunications industry leader and give access to LG UPlus’s 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,” he explained.

Back in South Korea, the company has already created a VR and AR entertainment craze and Yoon hopes the same would occur in Malaysia.

Media Prima Group MD Rafiq Razali felt honoured to join hands with Celcom on this project.

“5G will definitely bring forward a new way on how we think about connectivity and content.

“It will enable new insights and efficiencies to not only homes but also businesses,” he said.

“This is a moment to celebrate the arrival of high-quality content for the masses, and the boundless connectivity for all Malaysians now and for generations to come,” Rafiq added.