Malaysia's DiGi Telecommunications is engaged in a network modernization project, and aims to expand its 3G network to cover 75% of the population by the end of the year.
In a statement sent to Malaysian media, DiGi CTO Ole Martin Gunhildsbu said the network upgrades are leading to quality of service improvements including fewer dropped calls.
He added that the company is constantly monitoring performance metrics and was committed to delivering “optimal” network quality.
Gunhildsbu was responding to the decision from Malaysian regulator MCMC to fine the company and its two rivals in response to an alleged increase in complaints from consumers over dropped calls.
DiGi received both the highest number of fines – four, compared to three for Celcom Axiata and two for Maxis Mobile – and the highest total penalty amount of 100,000 ringgit ($32,000).
Gunhildsbu said Malaysian operators face barriers to delivering optical network quality, including the typical hurdles to situating base stations at ideal locations, as well as growing incidences of vandalism and theft at mobile sites.
DiGi is the smallest of Malaysia's three major mobile operators, but it is a fairly close-fought race. Forest Interactive has predicted that this year, DiGi will have a mobile market share of 25.6%, compared to 33% for Celcom Axiata and 41.4% for Maxis.