Malaysia
Mobile networks and carriers in Malaysia use 2 GSM bands, 5 LTE bands, and 4 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Malaysia. See the tables below for details.
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Check device compatibilityMalaysia's mobile network has undergone significant development since its inception. The first mobile network in Malaysia was introduced in 1985 with the launch of the ATUR 450, a wireless telephone system by the Telecommunications Department. This marked the beginning of mobile services in the country.
In the 1990s, several major players entered the market, including Celcom, Maxis, and Digi. Celcom was the first to provide GSM-based mobile services in 1988, while Maxis introduced CDMA-based mobile homeline services in 1997. The introduction of 3G WCDMA technology by Celcom in 2003 enabled video calls, and later, the launch of WiMAX services by Packet One Networks in 2008 further expanded mobile internet capabilities.
In 2010, YTL Communications launched a nationwide WiMAX network, and by 2016, it had transitioned to an all-4G LTE network. Maxis became the first provider to introduce 4G LTE in 2013. As of 2022, there are five licensed cellular operators in Malaysia: CelcomDigi, Maxis Communications, U Mobile, YTL Communications, and unifi mobile (formerly webe digital).
The mobile network has seen rapid growth, with mobile broadband contributing 93.21% of the total broadband market share as of 2019. The number of mobile cellular subscriptions stood at 44.601 million as of 4Q 2019, with a penetration rate per 100 inhabitants of 135.4%.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| Celcom | 10 |
| Digi | 10 |
| Maxis | 8 |
| U Mobile | 9 |
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Frequencies in use
GSM
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| 900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM |
| 1800 MHz (DCS) | GSM |
LTE
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B1 (2100 MHz) | LTE |
| B3 (1800 MHz +) | LTE |
| B7 (2600 MHz) | LTE |
| B8 (900 MHz) | LTE |
| B28 (700 MHz APT) | LTE |
5G NR
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| N26 (850 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N28 (700 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N78 (3500 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N257 (mmWave 28 GHz) | 5G NR |
