KUALA LUMPUR, 25 October 2025 — Malaysian mobile-network operators have activated 4G data roaming services in Timor‑Leste with effect from 17 October, a key step in enhancing regional digital connectivity and aligning with ASEAN’s people-centred agenda.
Major Malaysian telcos, including CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM Malaysia and U Mobile, began enabling seamless roaming in Timor-Leste on 17 October, while YTL Communications followed on 24 October. The upgrade replaces older 2G/3G roaming infrastructure, enabling Malaysians abroad in Timor-Leste to access faster mobile data and stay connected under new bilateral arrangements.
The move is anchored in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and Timor-Leste’s communications authorities, the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações (ANC) of Timor-Leste, signed on 25 October.
Why It Matters for ASEAN & the Region
- Digital inclusion & regional unity: The upgrade marks a concrete step in ASEAN’s agenda of building a “people-centred and digitally-connected” community by bridging connectivity gaps among member states. For Timor-Leste, recently accepted as the bloc’s 11th member, this enhancement signals deeper integration.
- Tourism and mobility impact: With 4G roaming in place, Malaysian travellers and business travellers visiting Timor-Leste benefit from improved connectivity, while Malaysian operators gain access to new roaming markets.
- Technology-ecosystem spill-over: The collaboration could catalyse further telecom-sector cooperation, including infrastructure development, digital services and skills exchange, between Malaysia and Timor-Leste.
Operational Details & Future Outlook
- Malaysian operators report the service rollout is already live and being marketed; consumers will be able to purchase roaming passes that include Timor-Leste under existing tariff plans.
- Timor-Leste will benefit not only from roaming but also from knowledge sharing and capacity building in telecommunications infrastructure, under the MoU.
- Looking ahead, the initiative may pave the way for enhanced 5G roaming, digital-services collaboration and stronger tele-connectivity links across ASEAN’s expanded membership.
