Malaysian operator CelcomDigi has completed a large-scale connectivity and tower infrastructure deployment across IOI Corporation’s plantation estates in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
Founded in 1969, IOI describes itself as a leading global integrated and sustainable palm oil player.
CelcomDigi said it has rolled out more than 100 4G and 4G LTE network sites across over 100 IOI estates nationwide, delivering high-speed connectivity. The project also includes dedicated direct internet access (DIA) links for estate offices within the vicinity.
The operator said the end-to-end solution accelerates IOI’s digitisation of core activities, including automation to streamline mill operations, mobile workforce applications, and IoT-driven asset and fleet management. It also supports future data-driven use cases essential to modern plantation management.
With next-generation connectivity across the estates, IOI can progressively integrate intelligent systems and automate processes to improve productivity, operational visibility, and safety.
CelcomDigi added that the expanded network also benefits surrounding rural communities by improving access to education, healthcare, and essential digital services.
In agriculture, the partners said, estate-wide connectivity is a crucial first step in modernising operations, enabling organisations to integrate systems and data to create scalable, efficient, and sustainable workflows.
IOI Plantation Director NB Sudhakaran said: “IOI’s ambition is to transform our plantations into integrated, connected operations that can compete on productivity and sustainability over the long term.”
He added: “Partnering with CelcomDigi aligns with this ambition as they bring the network capability and a shared commitment to solving practical challenges on the ground. By leveraging this widespread connectivity as the foundation for integrated digital operations, we aim to scale automation, implement smart fleet and asset management, and strengthen data-led decision-making.”
