Regional mobile operator Axiata plans to streamline procurement processing across subsidiaries in five countries, through a three-year framework deal with a number of vendors including Ericsson, Huawei and NEC.

The operator said that by implementing a common platform for network equipment purchases it expects to save $100 million over three years. In a statement, it noted the new platform will give it improved visibility of vendors’ roadmaps, which will enable it to spend more efficiently in the future.

Jamaludin Ibrahim, Axiata president and group CEO, said that since speed is crucial, the agreement will reduce the time required for each of its subsidiaries to purchase equipment and services. “This will translate to faster time to market.”

The agreement covers the supply of 2G, 3G and 4G as well as microwave technologies.

The Malaysia-based firm has controlling interest in operators in Malaysia (Celcom), XL (Indonesia), Sri Lanka (Dialog), Bangladesh (Robi) and Cambodia (Smart), as well as significant stakes in Idea Cellular in India and M1 in Singapore.