Access to the Internet during a trip to a foreign country is essential these days. You need to stay online to contact family and friends at home, to check email, navigate the map,…
To get Internet access internationally, you have different options, be it international roaming, WiFi pocket, tourist SIM cards, tourist eSIM,… Whatever option you choose, you may need to know about the top mobile operators in the country you are visiting so you can pick up the most suitable option for your trip.
If Malaysia is your upcoming destination, you surely want to know major mobile operators in Malaysia.
Now, let’s start!
Table of Contents
I. Mobile Operators In Malaysia At A Glance
1. Main Mobile Operators in Malaysia
This table will provide you an overview of the five major mobile network operators in Malaysia:
| Provider | Company | Ownership | Year Established | Subscribers in Malaysia | Mobile Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CelcomDigi | CelcomDigi Berhad | Merged: Celcom (T Ananda Krishnan) & DiGi (Telenor) | Celcom (1989), DiGi (1995), Merged (2022) | 20.3 million | 2G EDGE, 4G LTE, 4G LTE-A, 5G NR |
| Maxis/Hotlink | Maxis Berhad | Public Listed Company | 1995 | 11.67 million | 2G EDGE, 4G LTE, 4G LTE-A, 5G NR |
| U Mobile | U Mobile Sdn Bhd | U Television Sdn Bhd (ST Telemedia & Others) | 1998 (as MiTV Networks) | Over 4 million | 4G WiMAX, 4G LTE, 4G LTE-A, 5G NR |
| Unifi | Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) | Public Listed Company | 1984 (TM) | Over 1 million | 4G WiMAX, 4G LTE, 4G LTE-A, 5G NR |
| Yes | YTL Corporation | YTL Corporation | 2010 | – | 4G LTE, 4G LTE-A, 5G NR |
Overall, CelcomDigi is recently the largest player while Maxis, U Mobile and Unifi have also built sizable subscriber bases over decades of operations. All five operators have expanded their networks beyond 2G to support 3G/4G and some 5G technologies, meeting evolving customer demand.
2. Top Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) in Malaysia
Malaysia has a diverse MVNO market with 9 notable operators utilizing the networks of the major MNOs CelcomDigi and Maxis. The MVNOs aim to target different customer niches from no-frills users to ethnic groups to youth. All of the MVNOs listed are currently reported as active in the market.
| MVNO | Network | Services | Targets | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altel | CelcomDigi | prepaid | No frills | Active |
| Ansar Mobile | Maxis | prepaid | No frills | Active |
| MCalls | CelcomDigi | prepaid | No frills | Active |
| Merchantrade | CelcomDigi | prepaid | Ethnic | Active |
| Redone Mobile | CelcomDigi | pre + postpaid | No frills | Active |
| SpeakOut | CelcomDigi | pre + postpaid | No frills, youth, travellers | Active |
| Tune Talk | CelcomDigi | postpaid | Unknown | Active |
| XOX Mobile | CelcomDigi | pre + postpaid | No frills | Active |
| Yoodo | CelcomDigi | postpaid | No frills | Active |
II. How To Choose The Right Mobile Operator In Malaysia For Your Trip?
If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, one important decision is choosing a mobile operator to stay connected. As a tourist, you’ll want reliable data and calls at affordable prices. Here is a guide to help you pick the best option:
Consider Length of Stay
Most prepaid SIM cards need to be refilled every 30 days to maintain service. Short trips under 2 weeks can use daily roaming passes on Malaysian operators. Stays 2-4 weeks suit standard 30-day prepaid packages. Longer trips benefit from bundling calls/data.
Coverage
Maxis/Hotlink and CelcomDigi have the widest 4G coverage nationally at 94-96%. CelcomDigi and U Mobile have expanding 5G coverage via the DNB wholesale network. Check coverage in areas you’ll visit most. Operators like Yes and Altel focus on major cities.
Data Packages
Digi, Celcom and Maxis offer generous medium-term data packages from 6-15GB for 30 days that suit moderate users. U Mobile’s uncapped “Giler” plans are best if unlimited data is essential. Short term users can opt for daily 1-2GB passes.
International Calls
All operators offer low IDD call rates but Celcom at 15 and Digi at 133 are among the cheapest. Consider bundling calls if you need to stay in touch with contacts back home regularly.
Roaming Passes
On-arrival daily and multi-day roaming packages from Celcom and Maxis suit short trips abroad. Digi’s wider roaming network works well for Southeast Asia travel. Consider where else you may need connectivity.
SIM Availability
Major operators’ SIM cards are widely sold but rural areas may only stock one or two providers. Purchase SIM cards at airports or tourist areas to avoid inconvenience later.
III. Top 3 Mobile Operators in Malaysia For Tourists – Detailed Comparison
As a tourist visiting Malaysia, having reliable mobile connectivity is important to stay in touch, navigate and enjoy your trip easily. The top 3 prepaid networks – CelcomDigi, Maxis and Unifi – all have plans catering to visitors, but they differ in coverage, speeds and international roaming benefits.
This table compares their prepaid options to help you choose the best network depending on your travel plans within Malaysia or beyond.
| Network | Coverage | Speed | Pricing | Prepaid Brand | Data Plans | International Roaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CelcomDigi | Widest coverage at 96% of population for 4G/LTE and 50% for 5G/NR via DNB. | Among top networks but typically slightly behind Maxis. | Mid-range pricing with variety of options starting at USD 1. | CelcomDigi Prepaid 5G Edisi Biru (formerly XPAX) | Daily/weekly plans from 150MB for USD 1 to 4GB for USD 2 weekly. Unlimited plans starting at USD 1. | Affordable daily/weekly roaming passes to Asia starting from 150MB/USD 2 per day. |
| Maxis/Hotlink | Second widest at 94% for 4G/LTE. | Consistently fastest averaging 7/1 Mbps on 3G/4G. | Mid-range similar to CelcomDigi but plans towards pricier side starting at USD 1. | Hotlink | Range from 150MB daily at USD 1 to 4GB monthly at USD 2. Unlimited plans from USD 1 monthly. | Daily 150MB pass for USD 2 in Asia. Monthly 150MB pass for USD 1 in SG/TH/ID. |
| Unifi | Smallest own coverage at <93% but roams on Maxis 2G/3G. Expanding 4G/LTE network. | Lower speeds than Maxis/Celcom due to smaller network but improving. | Most affordable data-focused plans starting at USD 1 weekly. | U Mobile | Daily passes to 4GB/30days plan. Unlimited plans from USD 1/month throttled to 2Mbps. | Basic roaming pass costs USD 1 but only 100MB daily at 16kbps speeds. |
Overall, CelcomDigi and Maxis offer the most seamless traveling experience across Asia with affordable daily roaming passes starting from 1GB for under USD 2. Their extensive nationwide 4G networks also ensure smooth surfing within Malaysia.
IV. Do Mobile Operators in Malaysia Offer eSIM?
Yes, most major mobile operators in Malaysia offer eSIM plans for both prepaid and postpaid customers. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Not all operators offer them: As of May 2024, Unifi Mobile and Yes 4G don’t currently offer eSIM services. RedOne is expected to launch eSIM later in 2024.
- Activation process may vary: Major operators like Maxis and CelcomDigi typically require visiting a service center to activate eSIM, although this may change in the future.
- Virtual operators like Yoodo, Tune Talk, and XOX offer easier eSIM activation through their mobile apps.
For the most up-to-date information on eSIM availability, it’s always best to check directly with your preferred mobile operator in Malaysia.
Alternatively, you can purchase a Malaysia eSIM plan directly from Malaysiaesim.com. We offer affordable eSIM plans starting from $4.90 that are valid for 3 days, 7 days, 15 days or 30 days. Plans include local data for use in Malaysia as well as regional roaming packages for neighboring countries like Singapore and Thailand.
Our plans can be easily activated on compatible iPhones and Android devices without visiting an operator store.
Plans that may interest you
V. FAQs About Mobile Operators in Malaysia
Which are the major mobile network operators in Malaysia
The four main national mobile network operators in Malaysia are Digi (now merged with Celcom as CelcomDigi), Maxis, Celcom, and U Mobile. They operate GSM networks covering around 90-96% of the population.
Can I get 4G/LTE coverage on prepaid plans?
Yes, all major operators like CelcomDigi, Maxis, and U Mobile offer 4G/LTE prepaid plans and coverage. Most populated areas in Peninsular Malaysia have 4G coverage from multiple operators. Coverage may be more limited in remote or rural areas.
Can I get a prepaid SIM card as a tourist?
Yes, all major networks like CelcomDigi, Maxis and U Mobile offer prepaid SIM cards that can be purchased by foreigners with a passport at airports and certain stores. CelcomDigi also offers tourist SIM packs specifically for short-term use.
Can I use my data roaming or is local SIM better?
A local prepaid SIM is recommended as data roaming on your own network can be very expensive. Most Malaysian operators and Malaysiaesim.com also offer affordable daily or multi-day roaming passes for usage in nearby countries like Singapore and Indonesia.
Which network has best coverage in Malaysia?
Maxis and Celcom have the widest 4G/LTE coverage above 94% of population. However, speeds may vary – Maxis is generally reported to have the fastest speeds nationwide according to tests, while Celcom has best rural coverage. Coverage is improving rapidly on all networks.
