China Mobile International (CMI) has struck a deal to offer MVNO services in Malaysia on Maxis' mobile network.

The MVNO venture is CMI's first in Malaysia, and will see the company offer mobile services via its CMLink brand.

CMLink will offer 4G and 5G services to customers in the country after the partnership was formalized last week during the China Mobile SEA Cooperation Conference held in Kuala Lumpur.

A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a mobile network carrier that offers services without owning its network infrastructure.

CMI has previously launched MVNO services in the UK, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and Italy.

The carrier promotes its MVNO as a service for the population living in these markets, often aimed at visitors and students. Plans include free calls to China Mobile phones in China.

"These services are tailored for students, and professionals living in and traveling to Malaysia, ensuring they stay connected effortlessly between China and Malaysia," said Maxis in its announcement.

Maxis is the second-biggest telco in Malaysia with around 11.5 million customers.

Uswitch estimates that MVNOs account for more than 10 percent of all mobile users globally.