Maxis appointed as preferred telecommunications and infrastructure partner for ECRL in landmark 10-year agreement

^{(L-R) YBhg. Tan Sri Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar, Chief Secretary to the Government and Chairman of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL); YBhg. Dato’ Sri Darwis bin Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL); YB Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia; YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications Malaysia; Azizul bin Abdul Rahman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Maxis; Prateek Pashine, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of Maxis.}

Maxis Berhad (Maxis) has been officially appointed by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) as the Single Preferred Infrastructure Provider and Telecommunications Partner for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. This strategic partnership spans a 10-year period and solidifies Maxis’ role in powering one of Malaysia’s most significant national infrastructure projects.

The appointment was formalised today at the KotaSAS ECRL station in Kuantan, coinciding with the landmark arrival ceremony of the ECRL’s Golden Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train and Electric Locomotive (E-Loco). The event was officiated by the Minister of Transport Malaysia, YB Loke Siew Fook, and the Minister of Communications Malaysia, YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

A Comprehensive Digital Backbone
Under the agreement, Maxis will spearhead the delivery of a full-suite connectivity ecosystem across the 665-kilometre rail alignment, including:

• Mobile Connectivity: Ensuring seamless mobile coverage for passengers, including within tunnels and at all stations.
• Fibre Infrastructure: Managing operations, maintenance, and the commercialisation of MRL’s telecommunications assets and fibre capacity.
• Passenger Experience: Providing high-speed onboard WiFi and broadband solutions for retailers at ECRL stations.
• Operational Solutions: Implementing enterprise push-to-talk services to enhance communication and safety for railway personnel.

Strategic Industry Collaboration
To ensure universal connectivity, Maxis has entered into an agreement with U Mobile Sdn Bhd (U Mobile) to jointly develop new mobile infrastructure. This collaboration ensures that the ECRL operates as a shared network, allowing users from all mobile network operators (MNOs) to enjoy uninterrupted service. As the lead partner, Maxis will coordinate with other MNOs to maintain rigorous quality and coverage standards along the entire line.

Driving the National Digital Agenda
This partnership marks a major milestone in Malaysia’s journey toward a digitally integrated transport network. By leveraging its No. 1 converged network, Maxis is ensuring that the ECRL is not just a transport link, but a digital corridor that empowers communities, businesses, and industries across the East Coast.