CSL has been on a transformation path since its merger and consolidation with New World Mobility back in 2006. CSL CEO Joseph O'Konek told Telecom Asia that the network transformation is a key strategy and they're not going to back away from that, but he plans to take the next step of being able to monetize that network.
"You do that by being first with services and solutions that make a difference in customers' lives." He said an example of that is the iPhone 4 running on its Next G network.
The first phase, he said, was to bring the networks together by making the capital investment to prepare for the 21st century. "We're already one decade through it and most of the wireless world is still living with 20th century networks and ideas."
He said the biggest lift in transforming the network is from going all IP. "Comparing 3G to 4G where voice is data, there is a big step up in efficiencies for the switching, which gives us an advantage in cost. Now we're positioned to begin to be an alternative to wireline or fiber."
O'Konek, who replaced the former head Tarek Robbiati at the end of May, said CSL is moving to transform the customer experience just as it's done with its network. "Strategically the transformation will pick up momentum in two areas. One is an initiative around becoming a customer-centric business."
He said if everyone has the same network performance and capacity, it's hard to differentiate yourself. "We took the bold step to have an all-IP, dual-band LTE network. If we're not first to transform the customer experience in terms of business front-end systems, we'll have an investment that we won't be able to monetize.