TELEKOM (M) Bhd (TM) and ZTE (M) Corp Sdn Bhd are planning to collaborate on optical network research to bring the first 50 gigabytes per second (Gbps) bandwidth experience to Malaysia.

In a statement today, TM said its innovation arm, Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D), recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ZTE, a global provider of information and communication technology solutions, for joint research in the areas of next-generation passive optical networks (PON) to enhance bandwidth experience for users in Malaysia

The MoU was signed by TM R&D CEO Sharlene Thiagarajah and ZTE Malaysia CEO Steven Ge.

Under the agreement, TM R&D and ZTE will jointly explore the capabilities of next-generation PON access technology, 50GPON, to support various application scenarios.

In addition, both entities will look into use cases that can deliver ultra-broadband access to the government, enterprise and consumers, as well as support the requirements of innovative services such as 5G; cloud virtual reality (VR); industrial intelligent manufacturing for high bandwidth; low latency and jitter; and clock synchronisation, all of which will enhance the user experience in Malaysia.

Sharlene said TM R&D is committed to conducting research on future technologies and innovating new value-added smarter ecosystems that will improve the quality of users’ experience, and ultimately bring a positive impact on their lives.

“This fits well into the TM Group’s transformation towards becoming a human-centred TechCo (technology company). We are very excited to partner a renowned global player such as ZTE to innovate on future generation PON technology in line with the global trend and technology roadmap.”

Meanwhile, Ge said, “With gigabyte home broadband services widely used in Malaysia at present, and the basic fixed network is in the time window of evolution from GPON to 10G PON, this partnership could not have come at a better time.

“ZTE is pleased with the opportunity to collaborate with TM R&D on future research in next-generation PON technology supporting Digital Malaysia.” — TMR / pic source: TM’s Facebook