Rebecca PY MALAYSIA, 19 JUNE 2026 — As the world’s most-watched sporting spectacle prepares to kick off, CelcomDigi Berhad is leaving nothing to chance. The telecommunications giant has launched a comprehensive network readiness programme to ensure Malaysians remain seamlessly connected throughout World Cup 2026 — a tournament that is shaping up to be the most digitally consumed in football history.
With fans expected to follow every match via live streaming, social media, and real-time content sharing, CelcomDigi is bracing for a significant surge in mobile data traffic, particularly during match hours. Chief Technology Officer Kesavan Sivabalan captured the scale of what lies ahead, describing World Cup 2026 as the first truly digital tournament, where fans stream matches predominantly across phones and smart devices whether at home or on the move. For CelcomDigi, he said, the mission is simple: deliver consistent, quality connectivity so that nothing stands between Malaysians and the beautiful game.
At the heart of that mission is CelcomDigi’s 24/7 Network Operations Centre, a dedicated task force of network engineers and technical partners responsible for monitoring performance across more than 18,000 sites nationwide throughout the tournament period.
The company’s preparations go well beyond simply keeping the lights on. Drawing on data analytics and predictive modelling aligned with match schedules and anticipated user behaviour, CelcomDigi has implemented a multi-layered strategy to fortify its network. This includes pre-emptive capacity planning during peak match hours, targeted enhancements at high-traffic locations spanning residential zones, commercial centres, and public viewing areas, as well as the deployment of mobile base stations at key sites. Continuous round-the-clock monitoring and rapid response protocols are also in place, alongside fast-track reinforcement of critical infrastructure to maintain network availability and uptime.
Travellers heading abroad will not be left out either. CelcomDigi has strengthened its international roaming experience, extending connectivity to over 120 countries worldwide so that customers can continue following the action regardless of where the tournament takes them.
For fans staying closer to home, CelcomDigi is sweetening the deal with a targeted offer designed for the World Cup season. At just RM10, customers can subscribe to an Unlimited Internet pass granting unlimited access from midnight to noon for seven days. Those who subscribe from 8 June 2026 onwards receive an added bonus — full 24-hour unlimited internet exclusively for streaming on the RTMKlik app, making it easier than ever to catch every goal, every tackle, and every dramatic moment in real time.
CelcomDigi currently operates Malaysia’s fastest, widest, and most secure network, reaching 97% of populated areas across the country. With World Cup 2026 drawing near, the company’s preparations signal just how central connectivity has become to the modern fan experience — not a backdrop to the tournament, but very much part of the spectacle itself.