CelcomDigi completes IOI estate-wide mobile rollout
CelcomDigi has completed a nationwide mobile connectivity and tower infrastructure rollout across IOI's plantation estates in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
The mobile operator said the deployment covers more than 100 IOI estates. It includes more than 100 4G and 4G LTE network sites. CelcomDigi also installed Direct Internet Access connections for estate offices within the vicinity of the network footprint.
The companies said the project links plantation operations, mills and estate offices. The rollout also extends mobile coverage into surrounding rural areas near the estates.
Operational rollout
CelcomDigi described the work as an end-to-end connectivity solution for IOI's plantation operations. The company said IOI plans to use the connectivity for automation and data-led workflows across its estates and mills.
CelcomDigi listed intended use cases that include streamlining mill operations and deploying mobile workforce applications. It also pointed to IoT-based asset and fleet management. The operator said the network provides a base for future data-related initiatives in plantation management.
IOI said it plans to integrate intelligent systems into its operations over time. The group linked that approach to productivity, operational visibility and safety.
The announcement comes as large plantation groups in the region increase investment in connectivity and operational systems. Network coverage in remote and rural areas often remains uneven. Companies in agriculture and resource sectors frequently cite connectivity as a constraint on digital projects that rely on real-time data and mobile tools.
Rural coverage
CelcomDigi said the network expansion reaches communities near IOI's estates. The operator said the coverage improves access to online services in areas such as education and healthcare. It also pointed to access to other digital services.
The company positioned the rollout as part of broader efforts around digital inclusion. It said connectivity provides a route for socioeconomic progress in rural communities and increases participation in Malaysia's digital economy.
Executive comments
CelcomDigi framed estate-wide connectivity as a factor in digital adoption within plantation operations.
"For the plantation sector, we see that businesses with consistent, estate-wide connectivity achieve measurable improvements in operational efficiency and digital adoption. Early adopters report higher productivity and faster progress toward revenue goals, particularly through connected operations. IOI now has the digital foundation to scale automation and intelligent systems across its plantations and mills. This is how we power the next phase of growth-building networks that deliver operational gains, support sustainable practices, and strengthen surrounding communities," said Ts. Afizulazha Abdullah, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, CelcomDigi.
IOI described the project as part of longer-term plans for integrated operations across plantations.
"IOI's ambition is to transform our plantations into integrated, connected operations that can compete on productivity and sustainability over the long term. Partnering with CelcomDigi aligns with this ambition as they bring the network capability and a shared commitment to solving practical challenges on the ground. By leveraging this widespread connectivity as the foundation for integrated digital operations, we aim to scale automation, implement smart fleet and asset management, and strengthen data‑led decision‑making," said IOI Plantation Director NB Sudhakaran.
CelcomDigi said the collaboration sits within its enterprise business strategy. The operator also linked the work to its broader national objective around a "5G digital society", while the deployment itself focused on 4G and 4G LTE infrastructure across the estates.
CelcomDigi said it serves more than 20.5 million users on its network. IOI operates upstream plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia and has downstream operations that include refining and manufacturing activities. IOI has stated a commitment to reach net zero by 2040.
The companies said IOI will use the estate-wide connectivity as a base for expanding automation, fleet and asset management, and data-led decision-making across its plantations and mills.