KUCHING: U Mobile has entered a 10-year partnership with Sarawak’s telecommunications infrastructure provider SACOFA Sdn Bhd to accelerate 5G rollout across the state.
The collaboration is expected to push 5G coverage to at least 80 per cent in the near future and ensure Sarawak completes its rollout ahead of U Mobile’s nationwide Coverage of Populated Areas target of 80 per cent by the second half of 2026.
Under the agreement, SACOFA will act as U Mobile’s key fibre backhaul partner, supplying leased line access to its 5G radio sites and developing the infrastructure needed to deliver reliable, lowlatency services.
With more than 11,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables and over 1,688 telecommunications towers, SACOFA provides the backbone for U Mobile to expand its ULTRA5G experience across Sarawak.
Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, who is also SACOFA chairman, said the collaboration represented more than a ceremonial event.
“It is truly a privilege for me to be here this afternoon, witnessing the signing ceremony between SACOFA and U Mobile, which I see as a very significant milestone that reinforces our shared vision of propelling Sarawak towards a fully-connected, digitally-committed future.
“It represents a strategic commitment to accelerate 5G deployment, expand mobile network capacity, and strengthen Sarawak’s digital infrastructure in support of our broader transformation into a high-income, innovation-led economy,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held at SACOFA’s office yesterday.
He said the partnership aligns with the state’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which identifies digital transformation as one of the seven economic enablers.
“Today’s collaboration reflects vision in action using 5G as a catalyst for enterprise growth, service expansion, and industry advancement,” he said.
He also outlined that through this collaboration, SACOFA and U Mobile will leverage SACOFA’s robust infrastructure to grow in tandem with U Mobile’s 5G rollout strategy, enhance coverage and service reliability in Sarawak’s commercial and urban centres, and strengthen 5G readiness to support industries, innovation hubs, and enterprise solutions.
He noted that as of the first quarter of 2025, Sarawak’s internet coverage stood at 90.2 per cent and 5G coverage at 63.8 per cent.
“While progress has been made, the pace of rollout has not always kept pace with Sarawak’s growing digital economy.
“This collaboration aims to change that, accelerating momentum, the shared goal of achieving at least 80 per cent of 5G coverage in the near future, and ensuring our infrastructure ambitions are matched by on-theground resolution,” he said.
Julaihi also highlighted the role of 5G in bridging rural and urban communities.
“This will bring the rural area experience so that they can be brought into the mainstream of our development.
“Together, we can realise that Sarawak is not just 5G-ready, but Sarawak is 5G-powered in the near future. A Sarawak that is digitally inclusive, economically resilient, and globally competitive,” he said.
In light of this, he said that the partnership would unlock new opportunities.
“This signing ceremony marks the beginning of a collaboration that will unlock commercial opportunities in private 5G networks, smart infrastructure, IoT-based solutions, and enterprise-grade connectivity, all of which are essential for Sarawak’s digital and economic advancement.”
Meanwhile, SACOFA managing director Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman said the collaboration was another important milestone for the company.
“Through the investment in 5G infrastructure and collaboration with U Mobile, SACOFA aims to deliver faster and more reliable connections to local businesses and communities.
Our goal is to ensure the success of this development for all stakeholders,” he said.
U Mobile chief executive officer Wong Heang Tuck said the partnership was a key step in expanding the telco’s 5G delivery.
“By leveraging SACOFA’s extensive fibre infrastructure, we will work together to ensure that Sarawak becomes one of the earliest states to complete 5G deployment.
“This collaboration also supports the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, which envisions a dynamic, inclusive, and innovationdriven digital ecosystem for the state,” he said.
The MOU was signed by Sulaiman and Wong, and witnessed by Julaihi.
