The Rise of 5G Telecommunication in Brunei Darussalam: Huawei's Dominance and Competition with Ericsson and Nokia

A Bruneian website reported in February 2019 that a Huawei executive expressed interest in bringing 5G to the Southeast Asian sultanate, proposing that the technology could increase bandwidth in Brunei to as much as 1.2 gigabytes per second for uploads and 1.4 per second for downloads. A Twitter account belonging to the Bruneian Energy, Manpower, and Industry Ministry then retweeted the article, seeming to confirm the source’s authenticity in addition to Brunei’s interest in the venture.

Given that the Swedish telephone company Ericsson has suggested that Brunei will have to wait until as late as 2022 for 5G, Huawei seems to be moving well ahead of its Western competition there. Bruneians have even taken to complain about the potential for a delay in 5G installation

Brunei has achieved 100% digitalization of its phone network since 1995 and surpassed 100% mobile penetration in 2008. Telekom Brunei (TelBru) remains the largest fixed-line and internet broadband provider, while Progresif Cellular and DST compete in the mobile segment. DST, with around 78% market share, partnered with Sweden’s Ericsson to build its 4G network in 2013.

Brunei Darussalam Launched 5G Network

Brunei Darussalam launched its nationwide 5G network in June 2023, marking a significant step towards a more connected and technologically advanced future. This achievement involved collaboration between the government's regulatory body, the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI), the national network provider Unified National Networks (UNN), and all three Bruneian telecom companies: DST, Progresif, and Imagine.

UNN has already established proof of concept for 5G within select locations in Brunei. 90% of base stations in the country are modernized and ready for 5G services. The Chinese Embassy in Brunei told Chinese companies, including Huawei Brunei and China Communication Services Brunei, have been actively involved in the construction and services of the country's telecommunication network for years, making lots of preliminary preparations for the official activation of the 5G network and making their contributions to the development of the local telecommunications industry.

Huawei seems to be moving ahead of its Western competitors, including Ericsson, in Brunei’s 5G race. While Huawei takes the lead in Brunei’s 5G journey, Ericsson remains a formidable competitor. The race to provide advanced connectivity and services will impact the nation’s digital future.

Relationship between Huawei and Brunei Darussalam

The relationship between Huawei and Brunei Darussalam is characterized by collaboration and investment in the telecommunications sector. Huawei has been actively involved in the development and deployment of 5G technology in Brunei Darussalam, working closely with local telecom operator Telekom Brunei Berhad since 2004. The partnership between Huawei and Telekom Brunei Berhad has contributed to the advancement of the country's telecommunications infrastructure.

Huawei first established its local office in Brunei Darussalam in 2005, and is committed to playing its part in contributing to this peaceful nation together with its partner organizations for a sustainable environment and future.

In addition to its collaboration with telecom operators, Huawei has also made significant inroads in the mobile market in Brunei Darussalam. Huawei mobiles have gained popularity and appreciation, positioning the company as a direct competitor to Apple and Samsung in the country. The availability of Huawei smartphones across various cities in Brunei Darussalam, including Bangar, Kuala Belait, Muara, Seria, and Tutong, has contributed to its growing presence in the market.

Furthermore, Huawei has invested in training the next generation of Bruneian engineers, hosting workshops in the Chinese city of Shenzhen for Bruneian students. This investment in human capital development demonstrates Huawei's commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to the technological advancement of Brunei Darussalam.

Overall, the relationship between Huawei and Brunei Darussalam is characterized by long-standing collaboration, investment in infrastructure, and the provision of technologically advanced solutions. Huawei's presence in Brunei Darussalam's telecommunications sector has played a significant role in the country's digital transformation journey.

Commitment to Digital Transformation

The journey between Huawei 5G and UNN began in 2019 and started with mobile and core network consolidation, but what followed was a series of modernization programs including the introduction of newer technology on virtualized digital platforms to provide best-in-class connectivity experiences for the nation.

During the project delivery period, the world was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought forth disruptions within all industries. However, through hard work and effort from both Huawei and UNN, the joint project team successfully completed network consolidations within the stipulated timeframe.

In demonstrating the success of the project, data from the Ookla Speedtest Global Index, which compares internet speed data from around the world on a monthly basis, revealed the UNN as the leading network in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Building on this, Huawei is also committed to providing the best support to UNN through the launch of Brunei Darussalam’s 5G network.

Huawei Technologies (Brunei) is committed to bringing digital connectivity to every person, home, and organization.Their vision is to create a fully connected, intelligent, and inclusive world. CEO Kevin Zhang Jianwe emphasized this commitment during Huawei Technologies’ ICT Digital Transformation Workshop at the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (MYCE).

Brunei aims to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas production. China, including Huawei, has stepped up as an enthusiastic partner in Brunei’s development. FDI in 5G technology, including from Huawei, could facilitate economic diversification and pave the way for mass digital adoption in the sultanate.

Wawasan Brunei 2035

Huawei advertises its involvement in Brunei's Wawasan Brunei 2035, a national development plan, suggesting alignment with the country's economic goals. As part of Wawasan Brunei 2035, which aims to create a high standard of living, public utilities, and infrastructure for the benefit of Bruneians, Huawei has also been working closely with various government ministries to enhance ICT infrastructure and nurture the local ICT talent pool.

Since 2015, it has collaborated with local universities such as Universiti of Brunei Darussalam, Universiti of Teknologi Brunei and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali in conducting its ‘Seeds For The Future’ program to nurture local ICT talent.

Graduates will have the opportunity to continue their ICT career through stints in Huawei, UNN and various other tech companies.

Huawei is committed to opening more pathways to digital transformation, promote local innovation, and helping Brunei Darussalam in achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035.