APAC telcos expand 5G and cloud as connectivity growth flattens
Partnerships with operators and tech companies are also becoming essential.
Asia-Pacific telecommunications companies are increasingly diversifying beyond traditional connectivity, investing in 5G networks, cloud, and managed services as growth from core connectivity services flattens.
Hazrilhasnie Hashim, vice president of product and Marketing at TM Global, outlined how Telekom Malaysia is using its infrastructure to expand beyond connectivity. “In Malaysia, we deploy fiber and 5G across more than 7,000 sites," he told Asian Telecom Summit 2026 in Singapore in February. "At the same time, our international footprint includes over 30 submarine cable systems, strengthening presence on key global routes."
Hashim added that TM Global differentiates its approach by leading in areas where infrastructure scale, sovereignty, and long-term reliability matter, whilst partnering in areas that require specialised technology and deep industry innovation. “For example, our GPU-as-a-service initiative combines secure infrastructure with AI technology partners,” he added.
The company has also embraced open application programming interfaces (APIs) and programmable infrastructure to enhance operational flexibility.
“Through our digital storefront ‘Mine,’ customers can purchase capacity, set up cross-border connectivity, and integrate with their own systems via API,” Hashim said.
Edsel Paglinawan, chief revenue and innovation officer at Eastern Communications, also outlined how the Philippines’ oldest telecom company, operating for 148 years, has shifted from traditional connectivity to a full-fledged managed services provider.
“From a connectivity perspective, it’s not just pure connectivity anymore but managed connectivity, providing IoT solutions, cybersecurity, even cloud," he said.
Paglinawan noted that consolidation in the Philippine telecom sector, driven by high capital expenditure and flat revenues, has created a highly competitive market.
Despite this, he said Eastern has remained viable by collaborating with other operators on shared infrastructure and investing strategically in key projects.
For instance, its Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network, the country’s largest domestic submarine cable, connects major business districts, strengthens network resilience, and allows the company to use economies of scale.
Paglinawan said that the shift from a traditional service provider to a managed service provider enabled Eastern to expand its portfolio with ICT, cloud, and cybersecurity solutions, supporting growth and improving average revenue per user.
He also highlighted Eastern’s locally hosted Sovereign Cloud, which offers lower latency and democratises access for businesses in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Melvin Ng, senior director of APAC partnerships at Airalo, also highlighted how digital-first eSIM solutions are changing global roaming.
He said that Airalo’s original mission was to offer a simple value proposition and ensure that travelers could stay connected in the most convenient and cost-effective way possible. The company also aimed to eliminate the hassle of using pocket Wi-Fi or queuing for a physical SIM card when travelling abroad.
Airalo recently raised $220m in Series C funding, reaching unicorn status, and continues to expand through partnerships with mobile operators.
“We see MNOs [mobile network operators] and MVNOs [mobile virtual network operators] as partners,” he said. “Our objective is to be able to see how we can provide the best value propositions to users who want to be connected when they are travelling.”
Ng also noted the company’s focus on cybersecurity and user trust, highlighting that with over 20 million global users, security and compliance are central to its operations.
