KUALA LUMPUR, 3 November – U Mobile, Malaysia's best 5G network provider, today announced that its ULTRA5G footprint now reaches approximately 2.3 million people across Sabah, extending next-generation connectivity to key economic, commercial and tourism hubs across the state. Powered by expanded fibre infrastructure delivered in partnership with CTS Horizon Sdn. Bhd. (CTS) [formerly known as Celcom Timur (Sabah) Sdn. Bhd.], the milestone further strengthens the foundation for U Mobile's ongoing ULTRA5G network rollout in Sabah while supporting broader efforts to enhance digital inclusion, drive economic growth and accelerate digital adoption across the state.

This development follows U Mobile's appointment of CTS, as its key fibre leasing partner in April 2025 to support the telco's 5G rollout across Sabah and WP Labuan. Under the collaboration, CTS provided the fibre backhaul infrastructure connectivity for U Mobile's ULTRA5G coverage expansion in Sabah. CTS's local expertise and fibre network capabilities played a key role in addressing Sabah's challenging terrain and infrastructure gaps.  Since April 2025, CTS has successfully delivered more than 500 leased fibre circuits across West Sabah, East Sabah and WP Labuan, on schedule, meeting the rollout's backhaul capacity and redundancy requirements.

"Our ULTRA5G expansion in Sabah reflects our commitment to bringing next-generation connectivity to more Malaysians, regardless of geography. Strategic infrastructure partnerships such as the one with CTS Horizon Sdn. Bhd. have been instrumental in accelerating our rollout across the state, while strengthening network capacity and reliability. As we continue expanding our ULTRA5G footprint, our focus remains on delivering a superior digital experience for consumers and businesses, while supporting Sabah's growing digital economy," said Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile.

“This collaboration reflects the value of strong infrastructure partnerships in advancing Sabah’s digital development. By combining CTS’s local expertise and fibre network capabilities with U Mobile’s ULTRA5G rollout, we are strengthening connectivity to help businesses and communities thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy. For CTS, it puts our purpose, ‘Connecting the World for Tomorrow’, into action. We remain committed to supporting Sabah’s aspirations for greater digital inclusion and economic growth,” said Ryan Blantocas Tiamson, Head of Network Division of CTS Horizon.

Since first enabling ULTRA5G in Kota Kinabalu in August 2025, U Mobile has steadily expanded its coverage to other key locations, including Penampang, Tuaran, Papar and Keningau. Today, more than 545 sites across Sabah are supported by upgraded fibre backhaul infrastructure, delivering capacities of up to 10Gbps per site, a tenfold increase from the previous maximum capacity of 1Gbps typically used for 4G connectivity. The upgraded infrastructure also incorporates network redundancy to minimise service disruptions and improve network availability, ensuring a more reliable and consistent ULTRA5G experience for consumers and businesses. Indoor coverage is also available at key locations including Wisma Merdeka, Imago Mall and Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Beyond enhancing everyday connectivity, the expanded ULTRA5G footprint will support greater digital adoption across Sabah's key economic sectors, including commerce, tourism and enterprise. By extending high-capacity connectivity to more communities and business hubs, U Mobile aims to create more opportunities for digital participation and support the state's continued economic development.