Malaysian mobile network operator, DiGi Telecommunications has launched its 3G service in Sabah and Penang just two months after its official launch in Klang Valley as part of an aggressive expansion plan to bring its broadband service to more Malaysians. It is now on track to cover more than 1,000 zones nationwide by the end of this year.
DiGi aims to allocate up to RM150 million (US$40 million), of its total capital expenditure for the next three years, in direct investment to roll out 3G broadband in these two states. At launch, DiGi has 44% population coverage in Kota Kinabalu and 31% population coverage in Penang island.
Speaking at the launch of DiGi's broadband service held in these two states today, Johan Dennelind, Chief Executive Officer of DiGi said that the company's rapid expansion to other states is driven by demand and encouraging user experience since launch.
"Our immediate deployment focus is in key urban centres before we move to other areas around Malaysia. While we are keen to quickly expand our broadband service to more locations, we are steadfast in ensuring quality of service where we do have coverage. We will take this strategy seriously in our expansion plan," added Dennelind.
DiGi reiterated its commitment to deliver best value and quality broadband with plans that are designed to address fundamental broadband issues faced by users in general.
Dennelind explained, "By bringing our value proposition in voice to broadband, I believe we will attract customers who are looking for savings without compromising quality in tough economic times.
"Our commitment this year is to ensure that we get it right with meaningful differences for our customers who appreciate the way we challenge the market norm. We have received good response to our Likely Average Speed (LAS) promise for consistent broadband experience rather than the industry practice of promising unachievable theoretical speeds. We are gaining customer confidence through our clear differentiation as reflected in the take-up of our broadband service."
On its plans for the remaining year, Dennelind said, "We will focus on continuous expansion across the country with rigorous watch on quality. While our broadband service is only available on PC and laptops for now, we look forward to start offering 3G voice and data services on mobile phones as soon as we have expanded our 3G coverage in our bid to capture our fair share of the broadband market in Malaysia."
The Mobile World analysts report that the operator ended the first-quarter of 2009 with just under 7.2 million customers - representing a market share of around 26%.
On the web: DiGi - Mobile World
Posted to the site on 15th May 2009
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/37491.php