Maxis launches 3G with data card

April 24, 2005

Maxis Communications Berhad ("Maxis") launched 3G with its high speed laptop Maxis 3G Connect data card.

The Maxis 3G Connect data card is the first of Maxis' 3G applications introduced to the market. Maxis 3G Connect thus offers customers' speed, greater mobility, seamless connectivity and convenience.

When customers are outside of the 3G network coverage which is currently available in the Klang Valley, Maxis 3G Connect automatically connects them to Maxis' nationwide GPRS network.

"We have also bundled the data card with free access to our over 160 WiFi hotspots and a software solution that ensures that users can 'roam' seamlessly between 3G, WLAN and GPRS networks, always on the highest speed available.

"This means customers with a laptop can work and play practically anywhere - be it in a moving vehicle, a traffic jam, the caf', college, golf course or by the pool without ever having to look for phone lines or WLAN connections again. This makes working and playing truly mobile," said Maxis Chief Operating Officer, Edward Ying.

Mobile executives could access the Internet as well as work on the usual office applications like e-mail, calendar and address book on the laptop via Maxis 3G Connect.

"Our target customers are corporate users, but we believe that this is a very attractive application for customers who are looking for a truly mobile solution anywhere in Malaysia," he added.

Later, commenting on Maxis' ongoing preparations on 3G, Ying said, "We are making good progress to introduce our full suite of mobile 3G services to consumers by the second half of the year. A lot of effort is put into optimizing and delivering on the promise of a high-quality network and compelling services".

During its 3G launch, Maxis reported that it has completed the first phase of its coverage rollout across the Klang Valley, with over 300 base stations currently in operation.

"In Europe and Asia, we see 3G picking up pace at a swift rate. We're convinced that, in time, it will set a similar trend here. Following the completion of the first phase of our network and the launch of Maxis 3G Connect, we will assess the market momentum for 3G in Malaysia and at the same time, ramp up our rollout to cover Penang and most likely Johor Bahru by the end of this year," Ying explained.

Following a thorough evaluation and tender process in 2004, Maxis selected Astro, Ericsson, LogicaCMG and Siemens as strategic partners in the deployment of 3G network and services across the Maxis footprint. The partnerships are well underway to deliver an industry standard for services, quality, reliability and performance in the 3G environment.

"We are working very hard to put together a very compelling package, superior network, attractive content, affordable phones and tariffs to ensure that 3G takes off in Malaysia," said Ying.

The company believes that 3G will initially appeal to a core group of pioneering customers, though estimates that the country will be ready for mass market adoption in 2006.

"We are in particular encouraged by the development of 3G handsets. We foresee more than 30 3G handsets in the market by year-end, with prices for entry models falling below the RM1,000 by end 2006. This will allow consumers to upgrade easily to 3G and take advantage of the enhanced service offer," he added.

Meanwhile, the Maxis 3G Connect data card is available to consumers at Maxis i-Centres in KLCC, Taipan, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail and Ampang at a retail price of RM1599, with monthly access fee at RM149. Early birds who sign up between 18 April and 17 June 2005 enjoy a monthly access of RM120 per month until 31 December 2005.

(£1 = RM7.28)