Celcom Axiata seeks collaboration rather than merger

PETALING JAYA: Celcom Axiata Bhd is seeking potential collaboration or partnership that will enable the mobile network operator to roll out its network at a much lower cost, said chief executive officer Idham Nawawi.

At the moment, he said, the company does not have any plan for merger and acquisition as it is a bigscale move that needs to be looked at in the long term.

Also, he said, the market might possibly, in the end, face some consolidation. “As the industry is moving forward, demand and investment are growing and getting bigger.

“It is important for us to collaborate with each other on how to build the best network together at the lowest cost possible so that we can bring the best quality to our customers at the right price,” he told reporters after launching the company’s new affordable postpaid plan, XP Litetm.

On Sept 6, Axiata Group Bhd (the parent company of Celcom Axiata) announced the termination of its proposed merger discussions with Norway’s Telenor ASA after performing their due diligence, citing “complexities” of the proposed transaction as the reason behind the failure.

On Sept 12, Idham said it was business as usual for the company despite the failed merger.

Meanwhile, the new XP Litetm provides customers with the option to choose their preferred Internet passes for more Internet and enjoy bigger rewards with the best 4G LTE network.

Idham said the new plan, available beginning today at RM28 per sign-up, would enable customers to immediately enjoy unlimited calls and 1GB Internet per month.

He believed the XP Litetm is capable of attracting new subscribers to sign up with Celcom, thus addressing the company’s declining customers base in the prepaid segment.