KUCHING: Seeing the increasing network war between all telecommunication companies (telco) in Malaysia, as well as a new player set to come into play soon, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd’s (Digi) chief network officer (CNO), Kesavan Sivabalan is excited at the increased competition locally.

The CNO noted that the network ‘war’ keeps ‘everyone on their toes’ which at the end of the day, benefits consumers the most.

“For us (at Digi), it is about our customers while also keeping a close eye on our channel population.

“At the end of the day, with this kind of healthy competition, it keeps us going forward,” enthused Kesavan in an exclusive with The Borneo Post yesterday. .

Benny Wee, Digi’s head of region for Sarawak concurred by adding that at the end of the day it is about user experience.

The duo explained that at the moment, the environment for telcos is very dynamic. What used to be about network performance has now evolved into something more.

“Of course there is a network coverage element to it but there is also a product and service element as well.  So I think all in all, the main differentiator among the telcos is going to be the user experience in terms of what products and services we (the telcos) offer,” said Sivabalan.

When asked about the recent issue of hidden or secret plans offered by their competitors, Sivabalan offered no comment stating that other companies may have their own strategies going forward.

Wee, added that Sarawak has always been a key market for Digi which is why the company is always striving for consistency in connectivity and speed for its networks.

He noted that this is done with the customer in mind so they can reap the full benefits of the mobile internet.

Touching on internet as well as the increase in competition, P1 is set to unveil a new player in the telco industry. Webe, is rumored to be offering 20GB of data for as low as RM8 a month which, if the speculations are true, will severely undercut the market.

Sivabalan refused to comment on the matter stating that, “At this point in time we can’t comment as everything is still speculative. I think we have to see what is their strategy and what they are trying to do as they are the new kids in the old block.”

Wee added that at the moment the public can see it as a web teaser and noted that as it is yet to be launched, nobody is certain what sort of speed they are offering.

“All the telcos have claimed they are the best at certain areas and among those include speed. Though some may think speed is a gimmick, I do not think so.

“For certain things some speed is more than sufficient but when you see the evolution of products and services coming up, you talk about digitalization which will demand more.

“So in time, it will matter, but for today, the speed Digi is offering is more than sufficient. So in terms of internet speed, I think it is going to be more of a reality going into the future,” he added.

Asked about whether or not the Bornean states needs more capital expenditure (capex) due to its geographical size, Sivabalan noted that there is a perception that companies are spending more on some parts of Malaysia as compared to Sabah and Sarawak.

“We have a dynamic capex where we go in when there is a need. As Benny stated, Sarawak is one of our key market areas that we want to invest in, so I think for us, capex isn’t a limitation. If we feel we need to invest, we will invest. We don’t pocketize states.

“We have an estimated RM900 million allocated for capex for 2016. If investments are still necessary, we will do it accordingly.

“We do not stop investing in our infrastructure just because the money is all used up as end of the day, it is about giving what is best for our customers nationwide.”