Celcom to spend RM1.3b capex for network infrastructure, digitisation

Axiata Group Bhd’s mobile arm Celcom Axiata Bhd plans about RM1.2 billion to RM1.3 billion of capital expenditure (capex) this year, lower than the RM1.5 billion it saw in 2017.

Celcom chief financial officer Jennifer Wong said the capex will be used to enhance its network infrastructure, as well as for digitisation of its business.

“Last year, we were in catch-up mode, where there was a lot of investments done to upgrade our base [infrastructure]. What we are planning to do this year is to enhance the quality… getting additional layers to the current base that we already have. I think the amount we have allocated (for 2018) will be sufficient to address the needs of the customers,” she told a media briefing on the group’s fourth-quarter 2017 business update today.

Wong said while Celcom faces increasing cost pressures, it acknowledged infrastructure spending is fundamental to enhancing customer experience for a telecommunication business.

“There are cost optimisation initiatives which we have already taken and have been ongoing for about a year now,” she said.

http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/celcom-spend-rm13b-capex-network-infrastructure-digitisation