Maxis lowers cost of 3G adoption

August 7, 2006

Maxis Communications announced that all Maxis postpaid customers can now make free video calls to their friends and family on 012 and 017 mobile numbers during off-peak hours from now until 30th November 2006. Off-peak hours are from 7pm to 7am.

During peak hours, video calls will be charged at voice call rates, according to existing prices which starts as low as RM0.15 per minute.

Maxis anticipates that completely free video calling in the four month period will expand 3G's increasing penetration in Malaysia and reinforce Maxis' position as the 3G mobile service provider of choice.

"We are seeing a healthy uptake on 3G services with people coming on board at an incremental increase of 30% every month. We believe free video calling will further accelerate 3G adoption in Malaysia," said Maxis Head of Products and New Businesses, Dr. Nikolai Dobberstein.

As of end July, Maxis has 256,000 customers with 3G mobile phones in its base, of which 150,000 are active 3G users.

"By removing the cost barrier, Maxis hopes to drive up usage among 3G handset owners in its base and counter the prevalent notion of 3G being expensive. With Maxis' continual low pricing strategy, we are turning that around and proving that Maxis 3G is as affordable as 2G," said Dobberstein.

Maxis customers can make video calls for free up to a limit of RM99 per month. Usage above RM99 will be charged per their voice call rates. Overseas video calls remain unchanged by this announcement.