U Mobile ranked fastest 5G network in Malaysia in late 2025 tests

• U Mobile recorded Malaysia’s fastest 5G speeds in late 2025, based on Ookla tests.
• The result reflects its investment in 5G infrastructure and network performance.

Speed tests from millions of users helped place U Mobile at the top of Malaysia’s 5G performance rankings in late 2025. Data from Ookla shows the company delivered the fastest 5G speeds in the country during the third and fourth quarters of the year.

The recognition comes from the Ookla Speedtest Awards, which analyse real-world network tests from users across the country. The ranking uses Ookla’s Speed Score system, which looks at download and upload speeds as well as loaded latency during heavy network use.

For U Mobile, the result reflects the performance of its ULTRA5G network, which uses several advanced radio technologies designed to increase coverage and handle higher data traffic. These include systems with 64 transmitters and 64 receivers, along with extremely large antenna arrays intended to improve signal reach and stability.

Fastest 5G speeds based on real-world tests

Chief Technology Officer Woon Ooi Yuen said the company sees the award as confirmation that its network investments are paying off. The recognition matters, he said, because it is based on what users actually experience rather than lab tests.

He said the company has continued to spend heavily on network infrastructure, including its 5G rollout. According to Woon, U Mobile deployed technologies such as 64T64R and ELAA to support activities like video calls and live streaming while also preparing the network for enterprise workloads.

As he explained, these upgrades aim to support both consumers and businesses that need stable connections for critical applications. In his words, the network is designed to deliver “crystal-clear video calls” and “ultra-smooth live streaming,” while also giving enterprises the reliability, security and low latency needed for mission-critical use.

Woon also said the company plans to continue improving its 5G system alongside its technology partners. He said U Mobile intends to invest further in network upgrades and work toward delivering what he described as “the most superior ULTRA5G experience to our customers.” As a Malaysian company, he added, the goal is also to use its 5G capabilities to support digital transformation across the country in line with the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan.

Ookla’s leadership framed the award as recognition of the company’s network performance over time. Stephen Bye, president and CEO of Ookla, said the testing process relies on strict measurement standards and large datasets from real users.

He said Ookla was “honoured to present U Mobile with Ookla’s Speedtest Award for Fastest 5G Network in Malaysia for the Q3-Q4 2025 period.” Bye added that the award reflects the investment the company has made in mobile connectivity and said the testing approach ensures the results are objective.

Technology partners behind the network rollout

Network technology partners have also contributed to the infrastructure behind the rollout. Huawei Malaysia, which works with U Mobile on radio network systems, pointed to several technologies used in the deployment.

Deputy CEO Zac Chow said Huawei’s MetaAAU antenna system helps extend both coverage and signal depth. The system uses 384 dipoles, which he said allows the network to reach more areas while maintaining stable connections.

Chow also noted that indoor connectivity plays an important role in 5G performance. Huawei developed an indoor network solution that can deliver gigabit speeds in buildings, while reducing the time needed to install indoor 5G systems.

Another component is Huawei’s iBeam software. Chow described it as an intelligent algorithm designed to improve beam alignment and track users more precisely, helping the network maintain stable connections as people move. He said Huawei looks forward to continuing its work with U Mobile to expand the network.

The recognition arrives as U Mobile continues to expand its 5G coverage across Malaysia. The company said its rollout is moving ahead of schedule, with a target of covering 80% of populated areas by the second half of 2026.

Exploring AI for the 5G core network

At the same time, U Mobile is exploring ways to add more intelligence to the network core. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding with ZTE Malaysia to test AI-driven capabilities in its 5G infrastructure.

The collaboration focuses on ZTE’s AIR Core platform, which is designed as an AI-native core network for future mobile systems. The idea is to introduce AI and digital twin technologies into the core network so engineers can simulate and test changes before deploying them.

Woon said the effort is part of a broader plan to move the network beyond cloud-native architecture toward something more AI-driven.

As he explained, “U Mobile is evolving our 5G core from a cloud-native architecture to an intelligent, AI-native network as part of our overall network strategy to deliver greater stability and customer experience.” He said working with ZTE will allow the company to study how AI tools can improve efficiency and resilience in the network.

Under the agreement, the companies will explore three technical areas. One focuses on integrating AI with the Network Data Analytics Function to help predict traffic patterns and adjust resources during busy periods.

Another area examines AI support within the User Plane Function. The system would use large language models to identify services and update deep packet inspection databases automaticallyhelping the network recognise new traffic types faster.

The third area targets operations. AI tools could automate certain network management tasks and monitor system behaviour to detect unusual activity or security threats.

Woon said digital twin systems could also allow engineers to test new applications and network settings before they go live. In his view, this may help shorten the time needed to deploy enterprise services while reducing operational risk.

ZTE Malaysia Managing Director Steven Ge said the collaboration reflects a shared goal between the two companies to explore practical uses for AI in telecom networks.

He said the project is not only about adding new AI features but about working together to test how those tools can improve stability, efficiency, and service design. By combining ZTE’s global expertise with U Mobile’s 5G strategy, he said the companies hope to build an AI-driven network foundation that can support business growth and Malaysia’s digital development.

The agreement was signed at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026 by U Mobile CTO Woon Ooi Yuen and Alexander Choong, general manager of ZTE Malaysia Office 2. It is one of four memorandums of understanding the company announced during the event.

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