Maxis has been appointed as the mobile network infrastructure provider for the entire East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) line. They will offer 4G and 5G network infrastructure without blind spots when the ECRL begins operations in January 2027 according to the original schedule.
The appointment was made by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd and announced by Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil this morning. The Multi-Operator Core Network that will be introduced will then be shared with other providers such as CelcomDigi, Telekom Malaysia, U Mobile and YTL. With this, cellular and internet services can be enjoyed by ECRL passengers without interruption regardless of the telecommunications company used.
In the same development, the ECRL project is now 91.7% complete and it has entered the operational preparation phase. The construction of the ECRL began in 2017 before being cancelled in 2019. It was then restarted with a realignment of the route to reduce costs.
When completed, it will use 11 sets of electric trains (EMUs) of the CJ6 type manufactured in China, consisting of 6 carriages that can carry 440 passengers. Passengers can board the ECRL starting in Westport and ending in Kota Bharu.
This will also shorten the travel time covering four states, namely Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, to around 4 hours, compared to 6.5 hours by car.
