Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, EDOTCO Group was established in 2012 as Asia’s first regional and integrated telecommunications infrastructure services provider. By 2022, it had become the 6th largest TowerCo in the world, rising from a global ranking of 13 in 2020. With a portfolio of over 58,000 towers across nine countries—Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Laos—the company plays a crucial role in connecting at least 181 million mobile users in these fast-growing markets.
Market Leadership and Expansion
According to the TowerXchange Tower League Table as of Q3E 2022, EDOTCO is the market leader in four of the countries where it operates and ranks second in two others by tower count among global infrastructure telecom companies. Over the past decade, the company has significantly expanded, increasing its footprint by 25,000 towers and growing its revenue by at least five times between 2014 and 2022. This impressive growth can be attributed to its deep understanding of industry needs and its ability to provide tailored solutions.
Financial Performance and Business Milestones
EDOTCO recorded an EBITDA of MYR 1,238 million and a revenue of MYR 1,979 million in 2022, underscoring its strong financial position. The company also rebranded in 2022 to reflect its evolving identity and commitment to innovation. In addition to financial success, EDOTCO achieved a 21% to 60% reduction in new site CAPEX and a 63% reduction in carbon footprint, aiming to become 100% carbon neutral by 2030. Its customer satisfaction score stands at 4.4 out of 5 across all markets, and it has a strong SEI score of 94%, which surpasses many global industry benchmarks.
Industry Recognition and Achievements
EDOTCO’s commitment to excellence has earned it multiple industry recognitions and awards. The company has won the Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific Telecom Tower Company of the Year Award for seven years and received accolades such as the International Finance Awards 2022 and the UN Global Compact Partnerships for Goals Recognition Award. Additionally, EDOTCO has been recognized as Malaysia’s unicorn, with a valuation exceeding USD 1 billion, cementing its market leadership and potential for further growth.
Key Clients and Service Offerings
The majority of EDOTCO’s clients include telecom operators and real estate companies. It partners with leading mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide comprehensive telecom tower solutions, including tower construction, maintenance, and site optimization. Additionally, the company collaborates with building owners to lease out digital connectivity assets and shared infrastructure services, enabling improved network coverage and connectivity.
Innovation and Technology Leadership
EDOTCO differentiates itself from competitors through its relentless focus on innovation. The company continuously invests in new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. It has developed proprietary data analytics tools powered by automation and AI, such as Network and Planning Analytics (NaPA) and Digital Twin. These tools help clients optimize network performance, enhance telecom tower reliability, and lower the cost per gigabyte, making connectivity more affordable for end-users.
Commitment to Operational Excellence
EDOTCO adheres to stringent quality and safety standards, ensuring that its infrastructure meets the highest industry benchmarks. Most of its operating markets comply with ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) standards. The company is also dedicated to supporting nations in accelerating equitable digital connectivity infrastructure by tailoring its services to meet the unique requirements of each market.
Challenges and Strategies for Overcoming Them
EDOTCO has faced several challenges, including intense market competition, rapid technological advancements, complex regulatory environments, and managing organizational growth. To stay ahead, the company has adapted its strategies to address customer needs, upskill employees, and engage proactively with regulatory stakeholders. Additionally, managing expansion across multiple countries requires meticulous attention to quality, talent acquisition, and cultural integration.
A Strong Workforce and Talent Development
With a workforce of over 1,200 employees across its markets, EDOTCO fosters an inclusive and collaborative work culture. Employees are encouraged to grow professionally through extensive learning and development programs aligned with industry needs and emerging technologies. The company prioritizes training in engineering, project management, safety, and compliance while also focusing on data-related skills through initiatives like QuantHub. Leadership development programs are conducted in collaboration with institutions such as MIT-Sloan, INSEAD, and the Asia School of Business.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Impact
EDOTCO actively engages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly in underserved communities. Its Tower2Power program provides electricity and solar street lamps, while Tower2Water ensures clean water access through filtration systems powered by telecom towers. The Tower2Community initiative delivers disaster relief, including home rebuilding, clean-up efforts, and logistical support for COVID-19 vaccination programs.
Future Aspirations and Global Vision
Acknowledged as one of ACES’ Industry Champions of the Year, EDOTCO attributes its success to the dedication of its employees. Moving forward, the company aims to secure a top-five position in the global telecommunications infrastructure sector. By continuously raising industry standards, embracing new challenges, and delivering outstanding services, EDOTCO is set to leave a lasting legacy of transformative leadership and innovation in digital connectivity.
