U Mobile announces AI and cybersecurity capabilities at MWC 2026

U Mobile partners Palo Alto Networks to explore a network-based Security-as-a-Service offering as well as partners ZTE (Malaysia) Corporation to explore AI-driven capabilities within its 5G core network.

Malaysia's 5G rollout is moving into a new stage as U Mobile expands its network while testing new technologies to run it more efficiently and securely. Recent developments show the company focusing on improving network performance while also building systems that could support future AI-driven services.

The company was recently named the Fastest 5G Network in Malaysia for the third and fourth quarters of 2025 by Ookla, the company behind the Speedtest platform. The ranking is based on data from real-world tests conducted by users across the country during the second half of the year.

Ookla's Speedtest Award relies on its Speed Score method, which evaluates download speeds, upload speeds, and loaded latency. The combined score reflects how networks perform during everyday use when people are actively connected.

The results place U Mobile ahead in national 5G performance during that period. The company said its ULTRA5G network relies on 5G-Advanced technologies such as 64 Transmitters and 64 Receivers (64T64R) and Extremely Large Antenna Array (ELAA) systems, which are designed to support broader coverage, higher capacity, and more stable connections.

Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile, said the recognition carries extra weight because it reflects "real-world user experience." He said the company has continued investing in its network infrastructure, including deploying technologies like 64T64R and ELAA to support services ranging from video calls to live streaming while meeting the reliability and latency needs of enterprise applications.

Woon added that the company is "grateful for having our efforts recognized" and plans to keep upgrading its network alongside its technology partners. The broader goal, he said, is to strengthen 5G capabilities while supporting Malaysia's digital development under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan.

Stephen Bye, President and CEO of Ookla, said the company was "honoured to present U Mobile with Ookla's Speedtest Award for Fastest 5G Network in Malaysia." He added that the Speedtest methodology is designed to measure network performance through real-world testing, providing an objective view of how networks perform for users.

Huawei, which works with U Mobile on network infrastructure, also pointed to the role of its equipment in expanding coverage.

Zac Chow, Deputy CEO of Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, said Huawei's MetaAAU technology helps provide "wider and deeper coverage," while its indoor network solutions allow gigabit speeds in enclosed environments. He added that Huawei's iBeam software is designed to support beam alignment and stable connectivity, which helps improve overall network performance.

The rollout of U Mobile's 5G network is still underway, with the company aiming to reach 80% coverage of populated areas by the second half of 2026.

The award from Ookla highlights how U Mobile's 5G network has performed in real-world conditions as the company continues expanding its coverage across Malaysia. With more infrastructure coming online, the company is also beginning to look at how new technologies could help manage the network more efficiently.

Exploring AI-driven network management

At Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026, U Mobile signed a memorandum of understanding with ZTE (Malaysia) Corporation to explore AI-driven capabilities within its 5G core network. The collaboration focuses on ZTE's AIR Core platform, which is designed for future 5G-Advanced and 6G networks.

The project will examine how AI tools could improve network efficiency, stability, and service quality. It also explores moving parts of the network from a cloud-based architecture toward what the companies describe as a more AI-native model using AI systems and digital twin technology.

Under the agreement, the companies will study several possible applications.

One area involves integrating AI with the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), which could help analyze network traffic and predict demand. This may allow operators to adjust resources more effectively during periods of heavy use.

Another area focuses on the User Plane Function (UPF). AI tools may help identify services running across the network and update deep packet inspection databases more quickly using large language models.

The third area involves network operations, where AI systems could automate certain operations and maintenance tasks while monitoring the network for unusual activity that may signal faults or security issues.

Woon said the company is gradually moving its core network "from a cloud-native architecture to an intelligent, AI-native network." He said working with ZTE will allow the company to test how AI capabilities might improve network stability and efficiency while supporting both consumer connectivity and enterprise applications.

He also noted that digital twin technology could help simulate network changes before they are deployed, allowing new services to be tested and validated before going live.

Expanding network security capabilities

Alongside these efforts, U Mobile is also expanding security capabilities within its network.

At the same event, Palo Alto Networks announced a memorandum of understanding with U Mobile to explore a network-based Security-as-a-Service offering. The plan involves embedding security tools directly into U Mobile's 4G and 5G infrastructure.

By integrating next-generation firewalls and AI-driven security systems into the network itself, the companies aim to help protect users from rising cyber threats while reducing the need for separate security tools.

The partnership is part of a wider initiative by Palo Alto Networks to build a security ecosystem for what it describes as AI-driven infrastructure.

Anand Oswal, Executive Vice President at Palo Alto Networks, said the partnerships aim to create "the secure foundation for the AI economy." He said integrating AI-powered security directly into data centers and telecom networks could help protect infrastructure that supports large-scale AI workloads.

Steven Ge, Managing Director of ZTE Malaysia, said the collaboration with U Mobile reflects a shared goal of building the "next generation of intelligent networks." He said the AIR Core platform allows both companies to test practical AI use cases that improve network efficiency and stability while supporting enterprise growth and Malaysia's broader digital plans.

The agreement between U Mobile and ZTE was signed by Woon Ooi Yuen and Alexander Choong, General Manager of ZTE Malaysia Office 2, during MWC Barcelona 2026. It was one of several partnerships U Mobile announced at the event as the company continues building out its 5G network and supporting technologies.