Malaysian mobile users who value customization and control over their data plans will soon bid farewell to a familiar brand. Yoodo, the popular digital telco known for its unique approach to mobile services, has announced it will cease operations on August 29th, 2024.

Yoodo’s departure marks a significant change in the Malaysian telecommunications landscape. Launched in 2018, the brand carved a niche for itself by offering users complete control over building their mobile plans. Users could choose their desired data allocation, voice minutes, and SMS bundles, tailoring their plans to their specific needs. This level of customization resonated with a tech-savvy demographic seeking to avoid the often-restrictive nature of traditional mobile contracts.

The reasons behind Yoodo’s discontinuation stem from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) requirements following the merger of Celcom and Digi. As a subsidiary of Celcom, Yoodo was required to be divested within 18 months of the merger’s completion to address concerns about reduced competition in the market.

Existing Yoodo customers can breathe a sigh of relief. Yoodo assures users that their current data, voice, and SMS services will continue uninterrupted on the CelcomDigi network until further notice. Furthermore, customers will have the option to port their numbers to another mobile operator of their choice. Yoodo will provide further details and support during the transition period leading up to August 29th.

The discontinuation of Yoodo raises questions about the future of customizable mobile plans in Malaysia. While CelcomDigi has not announced specific plans regarding Yoodo’s user base or the potential for similar customizable options within their existing offerings, it’s a situation worth monitoring.