EDOTCO Group : 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 next-generation digital solutions.

ELEVATING THE ECONOMY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

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 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.   

SUSTAINABLY STRENGTHENING CONNECTIVITY

Preparing for 5G is about future-proofing, 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. 

“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.  

Sustainability is integral to EDOTCO’s strategy, and its approach to sustainable connectivity is driven by its Value-Creation-Cadence 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.

EDOTCO PARTNER