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BUSINESS SECTORS
UNIFIED NATIONAL NETWORKS
Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN) is
an organisation wholly owned by His Majesty’s
Government and is recognised as a government-
linked company under Darussalam Assets Sdn
Bhd.
On September 1, 2019, UNN officially took
over all network infrastructure operated by the
existing telecommunications service providers.
Since its establishment, UNN has been
actively making the effort to expand the
telecommunications infrastructure in the country.
In August 2020, it was announced that UNN is
working with stakeholders such as the Ministry
of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) and
Authority for Info-communications Technology
Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) to evaluate
the introduction of a 5G network.
According to UNN CEO Dr Steffen Oehler, the
demand for 5G is low as few people own 5G
compatible mobile phones which tend to have
a higher cost. He highlighted the importance
of introducing 5G to the country. Given that it
is not feasible to allocate too many resources
to meet the demand of the few, the focus
is on customers using 3G and 4G networks.
Meanwhile, the current implementation on 4G+
and LTE is going towards the preparation for a
5G network.
UNN is also looking into providing and improving
fixed network services for difficult areas such as
water villages. Dr Oehler said UNN is evaluating
fibre infrastructure for houses in Kampong Ayer.
From January to July 2020, 16,358 customer
connections were completed. This includes
12,272 connections in Brunei-Muara District,
2,404 in Belait District, 1,503 in Tutong District
and 179 in Temburong District.
The Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network was
expanded to include an additional 2,744
connection points – 946 in Tutong District and
1,798 in other districts.
UNN is also focussing its spotlight on
cybersecurity. The CEO shared that UNN is
building a Cyber Defence Centre to protect all
digital service, data interfaces, communication
and product systems of UNN from domestic and
foreign threats.
In September 2020, UNN began a 30-month
project to expand the mobile Radio Access
Network (RAN).
The RAN project includes the consolidation of
the tower infrastructure previously managed by
DST and Progresif and the deployment of 120
new sites to increase coverage in rural areas and
capacity in densely populated areas.