Malaysia's DiGi.com has revealed that it has reached 50% population coverage with its LTE network, and is ahead of schedule with its network rollout.
The operator has exceeded its own target of achieving 45% LTE coverage by the end of the year, the Star Online reported.
In the 28 major cities and towns the network currently reaches it has an average population coverage of 80%.
By the end of the year, DiGi plans to deploy 1,500 new cell sites and roll out around 6,000km of fiber backhaul.
DiGi is operating its LTE network in the 1800-MHz and 2600-MHz bands. The company has invested around 2.3 billion ringgit upgrading its network infrastructure and rolling out LTE since 2011.
Rival operators Maxis and Celcom Axiata are aiming for LTE population coverage of 50% and 35% respectively. But these operators have the benefit of using the 900-MHz band to provide wider coverage per site.
Digi recently appointed Morten Karlsen Sørby as its new chairman, replacing Sigve Brekke, who left the role to become CEO of parent entity Telenor Group.