Thursday, 28 June 2007

Ericsson Helps Maxis Expand Wireless Residential Broadband Coverage

Maxis Communications Berhad (Maxis) has selected Ericsson to support the expansion of its 3G and Wireless Residential Broadband services to major cities and towns in the Central, Easter and Southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia.

The contract reportedly encompasses a portfolio of telecom services, which include the supply, installation and commissioning of 3G/HSPA radio access network equipment and the delivery of 3G/HSPA radio optimization services. The agreement also includes provision of the latest 3G software which will provide Maxis’ 3G/HSPA network with the capability to support a 14.4Mbps downlink and 1.5Mpbs uplink, enabling Maxis to enhance its broadband service quality and speed. What this means is that it will take users about 4.1 seconds to download a one-minute audio clip, 1.9 seconds to download a 200kb power point slide presentation, and 1 second to download a 30kb JPEG image.

This contract is seen as an extension of the existing Managed Operations contract where Ericsson is responsible for managing and operating Maxis’ WCDMA/HSPA multi-vendor network and equipment. Ericsson is a prime supplier of 3G/HSPA equipment and solutions for Maxis and has been managing its 3G/HSPA network since 2005.

Implementation work for the network expansion has already begun and is scheduled for completion by end of 2007. The areas where this project will go live include Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, Melaka, Seremban, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bahru and Kuantan.

Consumers who are in areas which previously did not have any broadband access will now be able to experience fast Internet connections and seamless downloads of audio, video and large files.

“We are very pleased to note that our Wireless Broadband service offerings have been well received by the end users since the launch in September last year, and that Maxis Broadband is now widely available in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru,” said Jon Eddy, chief operating officer, Maxis.

“Ericsson believes that wireless broadband in 3G/HSPA will play a significant role in meeting broadband access needs in Malaysia. HSPA provides the fastest and most cost-effective solution for operators who want to offer broadband services. There is a huge pent-up demand for broadband access and services in the country,” said Krishna Kumar, country manager of Ericsson Malaysia.

Maxis plans to become the number one broadband service provider, as well as respond to the Government’s National Broadband initiative to increase the national residential broadband penetration rate to 75% by 2010.