China Mobile International (CMI) reached a deal to use Maxis’ network in Malaysia to launch an MVNO, expanding its global footprint following launches in Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Italy and the UK.

CMI’s MVNO offering, called CMLink, will be hosted on Maxis’ nationwide mobile and fibre networks. It will target the Chinese community living in the country. Key features include one card, multiple numbers and China-Malaysia data sharing services.

The companies forged the partnership at the China Mobile SEA Cooperation Conference in Kuala Lumpur last week.

A year ago, Maxis signed an agreement with CMI with the aim to accelerate 5G initiatives.

Maxis is the second-largest mobile player in Malaysia, with 11.5 million connections at end-June, data from GSMA Intelligence showed. CelcomDigi is the market leader with 20.3 million connections.

In one of a number of similar agreements expanding its reach, CMI moved into the UK market in 2017 when it agreed to use EE’s network for the service.