Unified National Networks introduces unified digital infrastructure for telecom, ICT landscape

The groundbreaking initiative improved connectivity across Brunei, removed barriers to digitisation, and reduced connectivity costs.

Before 2019, Brunei’s telecommunications and information and communications technology (ICT) landscape was fragmented where two mobile services operators and one fixed service operator competed in a macro market to provide expensive telephony services and data connectivity, which was beyond the reach of certain segments of the community.

The highest technology for mobile services was driven by 4G which covered only 80% of populated areas, whereas fixed services covered only 54% of populated areas with 50% of subscribers still connected by copper.

This led telecommunications service provider Unified National Networks (UNN) to embark on a mission to unify the telecommunications and ICT infrastructures, introduce a new wholesale model for services and infrastructure, and ultimately reduce barriers to digitalisation and connectivity. The company’s initiative is driven by Brunei’s digital agenda in its long-term development plan “Wawasan Brunei 2035.”

Between 2019 and 2024, UNN succeeded in building three new data centres, repurposing and modernising more than 800 legacy base stations, and introducing IMS and VoLTE to replace legacy 3G voice. It also introduced 5G nationwide through the deployment of C-Band and Dynamic Spectrum Sharing of 700MHz, improving mobile coverage from 80% to 96% and fibre coverage from 54% to 94%.

UNN also reduced its wholesale tariff twice during this period to encourage service providers to follow suit and similarly reduce their retail prices for the benefit of paying customers. This initiative was aligned with its aspiration to remove any cost barriers, improve affordability and accessibility for ICT adoption, especially for the less fortunate segments of society.

Meanwhile, in rural areas previously unconnected and cut-off from the rest of the nation, the company made a conscious decision to forgo profitability by connecting the rural communities with 5G for mobile services and fibre for fixed services. 

It also deployed the latest renewable and sustainable technologies for solar and hybrid generators able to sustain services beyond 24 hours without being on the national grid. This enabled plans to engage rural communities for part-time employment for the basic maintenance and security of UNN infrastructure.

The effort into rebuilding and modernising the infrastructure brought about significant benefits on user experience, with respect to mobile services and fixed services. Mobile services customers can now enjoy average speeds of 104Mbps from 2019’s 27Mbps, whilst the national limit for fixed services customers is guaranteed to be no lower than 100Mbps as compared to 25Mbps in 2019.

These commendable efforts earned the recognition of the country’s Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, as well as the gratitude and appreciation of rural communities. For this, UNN was hailed as the recipient of the Brunei Technology Excellence Award 2024 in the Network and Broadband - Telecommunications category.

Now in its fourth edition, the Asian Technology Excellence Awards is the region’s premier awards programme that celebrates top technological innovators and solutions that are redefining industries and leading the charge in digital transformation.

The Asian Technology Excellence Awards is presented by Asian Business Review. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding retail initiatives, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].