Inside Malaysia's 6-way MOCN: How Maxis is implementing the world's first such network sharing agreement

• Scheme covers not just remote areas but key market centers too
• 8 main principles provide high-level structure for collaboration between MNOs

Malaysia's pioneering 6-way Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) initiative has been operational since Jan 2024, but the technical implementation and real-world impacts remain less understood. At MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Abdul Karim Fakir Ali (pic), Chief Technology Strategy Officer, Maxis provided new insights into how this first-of-its-kind collaboration functions and its significance for Malaysia's digital landscape.

While much of the initial publicity around the 6-way MOCN focused on addressing connectivity in underserved areas, Fakir clarified that the agreement extends well beyond this scope.

"This is a nationwide agreement," Fakir explained during his presentation at the Malaysian Pavilion. "What we have here is for the nationwide six-way MOCN to cover both underserved remote areas and key market centers."

This nationwide approach represents a significant departure from typical infrastructure sharing models that often focus exclusively on rural coverage. The Malaysian model, that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and industry hails as a first of its kind in the world, allows operators to enter into commercial agreements for sharing across different market types, potentially transforming how network infrastructure is deployed throughout the country.

How the six-way sharing works

The MOCN framework, as outlined in Maxis' presentation, is built around eight main principles that provide a high-level structure for collaboration among the six participating mobile network operators (MNOs): Celcom, Digi, Maxis, U Mobile, TM, and YTL Communications. Note that while Celcom and Digi have merged, they each have their own network assets with their network consolidation ongoing. 

The model encompasses both active sharing through the MOCN technology and passive sharing of physical infrastructure. Priority areas include suburban and rural regions, seven designated focus areas, low-populated areas, and addressing connectivity complaints.

For implementation, operators can engage in either parity collaboration, where multiple operators share equally, or non-parity collaboration, which may involve different levels of participation based on bilateral agreements between parties.

Quality management in a shared environment

One of the most significant concerns with shared infrastructure is maintaining service quality across multiple operators. Fakir described a three-layered approach to maintaining quality standards.

"For the technical requirement, we set the standard for what the host needs to deliver—that is number one," he said. "Number two, they are also working together with the MCMC with public mandatory standards all adhered to. And of course, third and foremost, the telcos are monitored to ensure that we are keeping the quality of service standards."

He acknowledged that while Malaysia has extensive experience with passive infrastructure sharing, active sharing through MOCN represents relatively uncharted territory. "This is pretty new, and we have to go through the journey of experience from an operational standpoint.”

Sustainability benefits beyond connectivity

Beyond improving coverage, the 6-way MOCN delivers substantial environmental benefits according to Maxis. The sharing model enables energy efficiency improvements of between 20% to 40%, carbon footprint reduction of between 10% to 25%, and resource efficiency gains of 15% to 24% for electronic waste.

These sustainability metrics align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals referenced in the presentation, connecting telecommunications infrastructure development to several UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Progress toward 100% coverage

The implementation of the 6-way MOCN is closely tied to Malaysia's JENDELA (Jalinan Digital Negara) program, which aims to achieve 100% population coverage for 4G composite and internet connectivity.

According to the roadmap presented by Maxis, Malaysia has already achieved 97.03% coverage as of Q3 2023, up from 91.8% at the beginning of Jendela Phase 1. The country is on track to reach full coverage by 2025 through the ongoing Jendela Phase 2, which includes new projects under Jendela2. 

Critical success factors

Maxis identified four interconnected pillars critical to the initiative's success:

• Alignment with government aspirations – Supporting initiatives like Jendela and rural connectivity projects while maintaining transparent reporting to policymakers.
• Customer-first mindset – Ensuring service standards remain high despite shared infrastructure, with seamless connectivity and minimal downtime.
• Industry collaboration spirit – Building trust among stakeholders and developing fair models for resource sharing and joint ventures.
• Government support – Engaging in policy discussions and advocating for investment-friendly regulations that support digital economy initiatives.

Commercial questions remain

While technical details were forthcoming, commercial aspects of the sharing arrangement were less transparent. When questioned about cost savings compared to traditional deployment methods, Fakir declined to share specific details. "The current sharing is more about sharing the Malaysian experience of supporting the government initiative in addressing the digital divide and providing coverage," he said. "I wouldn't think that we want to go into specifics about Maxis' commercial composition."

He emphasided that, "The agreement is designed to be flexible, enabling parties to establish their respective mutually beneficial commercial arrangements. This approach aims to create shared benefits that support the nation's aspirations."

[Ed: Para added with additional quote.]

As the 6-way MOCN expands beyond its initial locations, industry observers will be watching closely to see how this unique model, a world first, balances cooperation on infrastructure with competition in services. What's clear from Maxis' presentation is that this isn't merely a pilot program but a comprehensive nationwide strategy for telecommunications development that prioritizes both coverage and sustainability.