ELEVATING THE ECONOMY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Having reached the zenith of the telecommunications infrastructure industry in Asia, EDOTCO Group’s CEO, Adlan Tajudin, discusses how innovative operations are facilitating the transition to nextgeneration digital solutions
Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Ryan Gray
The telecommunications (telecoms) tower market in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is expected to experience substantial growth due to increasing demand for mobile data and the rapid rollout of 5G networks. In the next three years, the number of towers is anticipated to rise significantly.
EDOTCO Group (EDOTCO), founded in 2012, is a leading integrated telecoms infrastructure services company in Asia, spanning nine countries including Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Philippines, Myanmar, Laos, and Malaysia, where it was initially established. The organisation plays a crucial role in enhancing connectivity throughout the region.
Originally carved out from Axiata Group’s infrastructure division, EDOTCO now manages over 55,000 towers, supporting nearly 700 million people and offering a comprehensive range of services, including tower leasing, co-location, build-to-suit solutions, energy management, and
transmission services.
“Our vision is to lead sustainable digital connectivity in Asia, and our mission is to help nations across the continent to accelerate equitable next-generation connectivity,” introduces Adlan Tajudin, CEO of EDOTCO.
“Our evolution demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, allowing us to transition
“WE VIEW OUR ROLE AS ESSENTIAL IN BRIDGING CONNECTIVITY GAPS, SUPPORTING SMART CITY INITIATIVES, AND FACILITATING ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION”
– ADLAN TAJUDIN, CEO, EDOTCO GROUP
from a traditional tower company (TowerCo) to a digital infrastructure partner,” he continues.
As CEO of the group, Tajudin’s role is to chart EDOTCO’s course and ensure it stays ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
“My primary focus is on three key areas – innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. It’s about driving growth and delivering
stakeholder value whilst remaining true to our mission of delivering equitable connectivity.”
Tajudin actively collaborates with governments, regulators, and mobile network operators (MNOs) to ensure that EDOTCO’s solutions are aligned with national connectivity objectives.
At the same time, he is deeply invested in fostering a culture of innovation within the organisation.
“I want us to be more than a service provider – I want us to be seen as a trusted partner in shaping Asia’s digital landscape,” he urges.
CUTTING-EDGE COMMUNICATION
Digital innovation is the cornerstone of EDOTCO’s operations, and the company has pioneered utilising technologies such as Network and Planning Analytics (NaPA) to identify optimal tower locations as well as digital twin technology for remote asset management.
“These tools allow us to operate more efficiently whilst providing better partner service. We’ve also introduced
automated monitoring systems like ECHO to enhance energy management and maintenance,” imparts Tajudin.
ECHO offers features such as machine status, reports, trend plots, and email alerts. This cutting-edge technology distinguishes EDOTCO from its competitors.
Moreover, regarding sustainability, the organisation was an early adopter of materials like carbon fibre, bamboo, and spun-pressed concrete (SPC)
for tower construction, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
“All these efforts are aimed at delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions that differentiate us within the industry,” he proudly states.
The TowerCo model is evolving to play a fundamental role in the Asia Pacific region’s digital transformation by enhancing connectivity, spurring social advancement, and stimulating economic growth.
“Traditionally, we have provided passive infrastructure that is essentially the backbone of connectivity. Today, however, we‘re the enablers of digital ecosystems. As data demands surge, driven by the growth of the 3D internet and immersive applications, TowerCos must offer flexible solutions, including edge computing and private networks,” Tajudin elaborates. Technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the immersive metaverse are becoming more mainstream. As a result, TowerCos are increasing their efforts to support network densification and enable solutions like small cells and edge computing.
This upcoming advancement is set to bring about a transformative shift, particularly in Asia, with the potential to open new revenue streams and deliver significant value for clients. Additionally, it will facilitate the next generation of networks and promote digital progress.
“At EDOTCO, we operate in diverse markets, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. We view our role as essential in bridging connectivity gaps, supporting smart city initiatives, and facilitating economic growth through digital transformation,” Tajudin outlines.
“OUR GOAL IS TO ACHIEVE CARBON NEUTRALITY BY 2030, AND THESE EFFORTS ALSO ALIGN WITH OUR BROADER MISSION TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE, CONTRIBUTING TO A MORE CONNECTED AND RESILIENT ASIA”
– ADLAN TAJUDIN, CEO, EDOTCO GROUP
EDOTCO’S VALUE-CREATION-CADENCE FRAMEWORK ENCOMPASSES FIVE CRITICAL AREAS:
BUILD-TO-SUIT (B2S) – Focuses on creating infrastructure tailored to MNO partners’ needs, optimising efficiency and decreasing environmental impact. Customising towers to specific site requirements reduces material use and enhances connectivity.
CO-LOCATION – Infrastructure sharing is essential for reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. Allowing multiple MNOs to use the same towers minimises resource duplication and land use, lowering emissions. This model maximises space and energy efficiency, offering a sustainable solution for rising connectivity demands.
EXPLORATION OF ADJACENT SERVICES – Involves looking beyond traditional tower infrastructure, such as energy-as-a-service for electric vehicle (EV) charging points and advertising panels. These services expand revenue streams and integrate sustainability by optimising infrastructure for energy efficiency and digital management.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX)/OPERATIONAL EXPENDITURE (OPEX)
– Focusing on CapEx and OpEx optimisation delivers high-quality, costeffective infrastructure whilst minimising resource consumption. Investing in materials such as carbon fibre and stone plastic composite (SPC) for towers reduces emissions by up to 70 percent compared to traditional steel structures. Automated remote monitoring systems enhance resource efficiency, reducing operational costs and energy waste.
INNOVATION AND HYGIENE FACTORS – Innovation underpins the organisation’s sustainable practices by leveraging AI-driven analytics, automated monitoring, and predictive maintenance tools to reduce energy use and optimise site management. A commitment to hygiene factors also ensures compliance with strict environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, reinforcing sustainability across all operations.
Accelerating Digital Transformation Through Reliable Telecom Infrastructure
In an increasingly digital world, the infrastructure that supports connectivity is critical. GSM Towers, a Norway-based tower supplier with a strong global footprint, is at the forefront of enabling nations to fast-track their digital transformation journey. By offering reliable infrastructure solutions and competitive construction management, GSM Towers plays an indispensable role in creating the digital backbone that keeps businesses and communities connected.
GSM Towers distinguishes itself with a commitment to quality and innovation, evident in its extensive track record. Backed by a long history of expertise, the company has delivered high-quality telecom towers to more than 40 countries, consistently exceeding international standards and proving its reliability on a global scale. This rigorous approach to quality not only underscores its commitment to safety but also positions GSM Towers as a trusted partner for large-scale telecom infrastructure projects in the AsiaPacific region.
A core strength of GSM Towers lies in its ability to tailor solutions to meet the specific needs of each client. Recognising that every project presents unique challenges, the company offers projectbased manufacturing that enables customisation according to exact specifications. Whether dealing with challenging geographical terrains or diverse environmental conditions, GSM Towers designs towers that adapt seamlessly, ensuring robust connectivity for communities in urban centres and remote areas alike. This approach to customisation reflects GSM Towers’ innovative spirit and engineering prowess, setting it apart in an
industry where flexibility and adaptability are increasingly essential.
Headquartered in Norway with manufacturing facilities across Asia, GSM Towers benefits from an advantageous logistical setup. This strategic positioning allows the company to deliver its products cost-effectively and with remarkable efficiency throughout the Asia-Pacific region. By utilising high-quality production hubs across the region, GSM Towers ensures a streamlined supply chain that facilitates competitive pricing without compromising on quality. In a sector where balancing cost, quality, and timely delivery is crucial, this logistical advantage provides a significant competitive edge.
Equally important is GSM Towers’ emphasis on nurturing close relationships with its customers. Understanding the needs, timelines, and objectives of its clients is central to GSM Towers’ service model. This relationship-driven approach enables the company to support its clients by providing guidance through the complexities of telecom infrastructure projects and helping them navigate technical, regulatory, and logistical hurdles. By offering this close support, GSM Towers positions itself not merely as a supplier but as a collaborative partner that genuinely contributes to the success of each project.
As the Asia-Pacific region continues to expand digitally, companies like GSM Towers play a pivotal role in accelerating the journey towards shaping the digital landscape. In areas where reliable connectivity remains a challenge, GSM Towers’ robust infrastructure solutions enable communities to leap forward technologically, providing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
In summary, GSM Towers’ model of quality, customisation, and customer focus makes it an invaluable asset in the push for enhanced digital infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region. By prioritising quality and leveraging strategic advantages, GSM Towers is helping nations bridge the digital divide, empowering millions to participate in the digital economy. For businesses committed to advancing the digital landscape in the region, GSM Towers represents not only a tower supplier but a dedicated partner in progress.
Lars Strømme -
Sales Director
lars.stromme@gsmtowers.com www.gsmtowers.com
SUSTAINABLY STRENGTHENING CONNECTIVITY
Preparing for 5G is about futureproofing, and EDOTCO is adopting a strategic approach to designing infrastructure, rather than merely deploying it, to accommodate upcoming technologies.
“It focuses on maximising resource efficiency and ensuring our partners deliver the high-speed, reliable connectivity promised by 5G,” assures Tajudin.
In Malaysia, for example, EDOTCO has partnered with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and mobile operators to ensure a seamless roll-out.
The Government of Malaysia has mandated DNB as the single neutral party to deploy 5G infrastructure and networks nationwide.
“Last year, we upgraded 500 of our 4G towers to 5G-ready infrastructure and completed 1,900 5G sites across the country, helping the nation to achieve 80 percent coverage in
populated areas within just one year.”
EDOTCO is currently engaged in deploying 5G technology across Malaysia and enhancing connectivity in underserved markets, including Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Cambodia.
EDOTCO’S KEY PROJECTS:
“Our projects are aimed at expanding co-location options and implementing sustainable solutions. In addition, we are improving digital services to cater to the growing demand for 5G and beyond,” Tajudin informs us.
SUSTAINABLE TOWER SOLUTIONS – Actively deploying carbon fibre and bamboo towers, each offering unique environmental advantages. Carbon fibre towers are lighter and have a lower carbon footprint, while bamboo towers present a renewable alternative, producing up to 70 percent lower emissions than traditional steel. These innovations enable EDOTCO to deliver sustainable and scalable solutions across diverse terrains.
RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVES – Solarisation projects have been successfully implemented at over 2,600 sites across the company’s footprint, significantly reducing dependency on diesel and lowering emissions. Hybridsolar solutions are also being deployed in high-irradiance regions to support its renewable energy objectives further.
Sustainability is integral to EDOTCO’s strategy, and its approach to sustainable connectivity is driven by its Value-CreationCadence framework, which aligns all activities around key pillars that power efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
In parallel, EDOTCO is dedicated to adopting renewable energy, featuring over 2,600 solar-powered sites and hybrid solar-wind turbine solutions in countries such as Bangladesh and Myanmar.
“Our goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, and these efforts also align with our broader mission to promote sustainable growth in digital infrastructure, contributing to a more connected and resilient Asia,” Tajudin reports.
STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS
Looking forwards, EDOTCO is focused on expanding its infrastructure in the emerging markets of Southeast Asia,
aiming to bring its advanced and sustainable solutions to new regions.
By combining digital innovation with environmental responsibility, the organisation seeks to establish a benchmark for the industry in connectivity and sustainability, making significant investments in both.
“We are developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve operational efficiency and are implementing IoT solutions for smart infrastructure management.”
This year, the organisation is focused on scaling 5G infrastructure, particularly in Malaysia and other emerging markets in Southeast Asia.
“Sustainability remains central to our strategy as we expand renewable energy initiatives and deploy innovative materials for tower construction. We’re also prioritising digital transformation, increasing the use of AI and IoT to enhance efficiency.
“Finally, we’re investing in talent development to ensure we have the skills and leadership necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Tajudin concludes.
Through these efforts, EDOTCO aims to lead in infrastructure and create a more connected and sustainable future for Asia.
143 E. Manalo Ave. Concepcion Uno1807 City of Marikina NCR, Second District Philippines www.jehan.com.ph
