Huawei and TM R&D to do joint research on next-gen access

• To co-develop access technologies for both fixed-line and wireless connectivity
• To share research facilities and establish joint lab at the TM Innovation Centre

• Next-gen research (l-r): Dr Leroy G. Blimegger Jr, president of Huawei Assurance & Managed Services; Zakaria Ahmad, GM of TM R&D; Giorgio Migliarina, CTIO of TM; Dr Gopi Kurup, CEO, TM R&D; Danapalan Vinggrasalam, chairman, TM R&D; Mike Wang, CEO of Huawei Malaysia; Zou Zhilei, president of Huawei Carrier Business Group; Zhou Jianjun, vice president of Huawei Southern Pacific Region (click to enlarge).

SHENZEN-based information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider Huawei said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D) to launch joint innovation efforts to co-develop next-generation access technologies for both fixed-line and wireless connectivity in Malaysia.
 
TM R&D is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM).
 
The MoU will see Huawei and TM R&D jointly research the most suitable, customised copper access and 4G (Fourth Generation) solutions for Malaysia’s fixed and broadband landscapes, Huawei said in a statement.
 
Through this collaboration, both parties will share research facilities and encourage knowledge transfer, as well as establish a joint lab at the TM Innovation Centre in Cyberjaya within the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC Malaysia).
 
“Being a part of Malaysia’s digital transformation has been an exciting experience for us at Huawei,” said Huawei Malaysia chief executive officer Mike Wang.
 
“TM’s High Speed Broadband (HSBB) project has become a global reference point of future-oriented smart networks. By jointly developing technologies that utilise TM’s existing copper wires, TM can make efficient use of resources, quickly implement bandwidth strategies, and launch additional new services, including IPTV (Internet Protocol television) and HDTV (high-definition TV),” he added.
 
Huawei said that more than 75,000 members of its global team are dedicated to R&D, and that it invests no less than 10% of its revenue in R&D annually.
 
Huawei first established its business in Malaysia 13 years ago, and today has 1,900 employees, 75% of which are recruited locally.
 
Huawei currently serves all major telecom operators in Malaysia and declared that it is a key contributor to HSBB, 4G, and other ICT developments in the country.
 
“Huawei shares our passion for innovation and co-development partnerships,” said TM R&D chief executive officer Dr Gopi Kurup.
 
“With strong commitment from both parties, we are confident of contributing to a competitive next-generation ICT infrastructure for the nation. The collaboration reflects our commitment to evolve the nation’s HSBB network project and underpins the long-term value of TM’s current assets.
 
“We believe the next generation access technologies will further enhance our broadband user experience and TM’s wireless coverage in the long run,” he added.
 
Fixed-line incumbent TM got into the wireless fray on Aug 8 when it launched its TMgo LTE (Long-Term Evolution) service in selected regions in the states of Kedah and Melaka.
 
“Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) is not only one of the most important trends in the industry, but also a strategic turning point for telecom operators,” said Huawei’s Wang.
 
“Huawei has rich experience in FMC. We are willing to share our knowledge with TM, to help [it] prepare for the challenges and opportunities that the Digital Economy brings,” he added.
 
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