Malaysian Operator Launches Consumer 3G Service

Malaysia's Maxis has launched a consumer service for its 3G network, extending it to both contract and PrePay 3G phones. Te company has operated a 3G network via data cards since April this year. With Maxis3G, customers retain their existing numbers and rate plans, and only need to get a Maxis 3G-customised phone and a 3G SIM card to start enjoying 3G services.

Maxis Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Jamaludin Ibrahim said: "We're committed to making 3G a success. Throughout the last two years, we have been making sure that the building blocks are in place so that 2005 opens up a world of mobility and possibilities for our customers. The time has arrived for us to unveil the world of Maxis3G - a world of a New Vision.

"In delivering 3G, it was important for us to produce a customer proposition that centers around four elements: make it easy for customers to move to 3G, make it work, make it fun - and, most importantly, make it affordable. Today, we are launching with a very attractive offer".

In addition, to ensure that customers enjoy a truly unique Maxis3G experience, the company has spent considerable effort and investment in optimizing its 3G network and handsets, and making sure that they work compatibly with one another. Currently, Maxis has 300 3G sites serving the Klang Valley, delivering reliable and quality coverage, and seamless connectivity between 2.5G and 3G.

"The company's strategy is to deploy 3G network coverage which delivers a high quality service within defined data usage areas, then enhance this coverage over time based on customer demand, starting with Klang Valley now, and rolling into Penang and Johor Bahru by the end of the year," he added. Maxis' total investment for 3G will be US$105 million in 2005.

Maxis3G customers will also be able to make video calls to and from five other countries - Singapore, Hong Kong, UK, Germany and Poland - with many more being added in the coming months.

On top of this, Maxis3G offers extensive entertainment on the go. With seven live TV channels, 10 news, business and sports video alerts, live traffic checks, home surveillance, and over 8,000 music tones, 150 video clips and 200 games to choose from, customer can turn their phone into a full-fledged multimedia and entertainment center.

Jamaludin is upbeat yet realistic about 3G's prospects: "If you need to buy a new phone, you might as well go for 3G," he said, but added that it might take two to three years before 3G will reach critical mass."

Posted to the site on 7th July 2005