Packet One Gets Permission to Expand WiMAX Coverage

­Malaysian WiMAX network operator, Packet One (P1) says that it has received the necessary approvals to also roll out its WiMAX service in East Malaysia. The permission was granted after the operator met its regulatory requirment of 25% population coverage within the Peninsula.

"The deployment of WiMAX broadband is crucial in achieving the national household broadband penetration target of 50% by 2010. WiMAX operators play an important role in meeting this objective and must work towards meeting or exceeding the targets committed", said Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer, P1.

The company said that its WiMAX roll out will begin simultaneously in Sabah and Sarawak in Q1 2010. East Malaysians in the cities such as Kuching, Miri, Bintulu, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau will be connected to the WiMAX network in Q2 2010.

"The household broadband penetration rates of only 13.6% in Sarawak and 9.5% in Sabah at the end of 2008 are still very low compared to the national average. We are looking forward to meeting a massive demand for quality broadband in both states, whilst spreading the benefits of next-generation high-speed wireless broadband!" Lai explained.

Posted to the site on 19th October 2009