KUALA LUMPUR: Permodalan Nasional Bhd's (PNB) subsidiary, PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, has appointed edotco Malaysia as its partner to equip the Merdeka 118 tower with next generation telecommunications technology solutions.
The appointment will pave the way for edotco Malaysia to design, provide and maintain build-to-suit in- building telecommunications solutions (IBS), enabling seamless and reliable connectivity for the iconic tower.
PNB said equipping the tower with the next generation IBS technology would ensure greater coverage in blind spots such as lifts as well as the basement, creating an enhanced user experience.
PNB real estate chief investment officer Rick Ramli said this marked an integral part of Merdeka 118's progress as it moves closer to completion.
"Currently at 70 per cent completed, we look forward to embarking on the next phase of powering up Merdeka 118 with next generation connectivity technologies to support future communication needs.
"We are confident that edotco's strong track record, technical expertise and innovative so- lutions will be able to cater to the dynamic needs of Merdeka 118's business and leisure occupants," he said in a statement today.
Antennae, repeaters and other next-generation IBS will also be installed within the premises to meet capacity demands and provide extensive coverage at every level of the tower, in preparation for future hyper connectivity.
The ready availability of innovative telecommunications infrastructure enables mobile network operators to rapidly offer high speed connectivity without major investment via a plug-and-play model, and provide the infrastructure for newer telecommunications technologies to be modularly added as occupancy increases.
edotco group chief regional officer and edotco Malaysia managing director Wan Zainal Adileen commented said the Merdeka 118 tower ranks in the league of one of the world's engineering wonders.
"Merdeka 118 symbolises progress beyond the current generation and it resonates deeply with edotco's commitment to nation building. Involvement in this landmark project is a monumental milestone for edotco in supporting Malaysia towards meeting its digital ambitions.
"edotco is rising to the challenge of delivering tailor-made, right shareable solutions that are a step ahead of our peers," he said.
Services by edotco will include telecommunication infrastructure for the office, hotel tower and retail mall. The three million square foot development soars into the clouds at 635 metres tall.
Merdeka 118 is set to be the tallest building in Southeast Asia upon completion in 2022. Installation works for the IBS will be completed in time for the landmark tower's opening in 2022.