Astro Selects TDC’s Fiber-Optic Network to Deliver HD IPTV Services
Astro TV has collaborated with Time dotCom (TDC) to lease fiber-optic network and deliver interactive and entertainment content for customers.
Under the terms of the agreement, Astro will utilize TDC’s optical network to deliver HD video-on-demand (VOD) and Beyond and Internet protocol television (IPTV) services to users in Penang and Klang Valley.
Astro will also use the 30 Mbps broadband services from TDC for internet access. TDC will offer the optical infrastructure for the next 10 years. Both companies will enter into a definitive agreement in January 2011.
The IPTV/VOD services from Astro are currently available to 11,400 homes and will be expanded to above 167,000 homes across 1,500 buildings by the end of 2011.
U Mobile instigates DC-HSPA+ deployment
Malaysian mobile network operator U Mobile has announced that it has enabled its first base station with Dual Carrier HSPA+ (DC-HSPA+) technology, allowing it to offer downlink speeds of up to 42Mbps.
According to reports, the first cell site to benefit from the upgrade is located in Berjaya Times Square, and the cellco is planning to roll out the technology to other areas in the Klang Valley in the coming weeks.
According to Dr Kaizad Heerjee, U Mobile’s chief executive officer, with the rollout of this new technology, U Mobile will be the first service provider in Malaysia to begin the deployment of a commercial mobile broadband service capable of delivering speeds of up to 42Mbps using HSPA+ … U Mobile’s subscribers will soon be able to enjoy superior mobile broadband service that offers high download speed and fast response time with the use of HSPA+ capable USB modems.’
Maxis communication and Huawei sign FTTx pact
Maxis Communications, Malaysia has signed a deal with Chinese vendor Huawei to act as the exclusive supplier for its next generation high speed internet infrastructure. Under the deal it includes the construction and management of a full service FTTx network using GPON technology.
The affiliation between the companies was officially made on 19 August. Huawei consenting to deliver an end-to-end turnkey services package that comprises active and passive equipment, holistic Optical Distribution Network designs and construction management.
The Next Generation High-Speed Internet network is part of Maxis’ commitment to provide over 12 million customers, and is vital to deliver a range of products and services which will reach into the areas of commerce, education, health, entertainment and so much more.
Maxis anticipates to start offering commercial services over the new infrastructure in the Klang Valley, and has already opened registrations for the customers interested in signing up for such services.
Telekom Malaysia plans Wi-Fi expansion
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Plans to expand the coverage of ‘Streamyx’ wireless internet service has been revealed by Malaysian fixed line incumbent Telekom Malaysia (TM). The aim of the company is to offer the service nationwide.
Wi-Fi internet access is provided by TM via more than 2,000 Wi-Fi hotspots. It has added around 800 sites during 2009, of which almost 35% (724) are located in the Klang Valley including the capital city Kuala Lumpur.
No timeframe in which it expects to complete the rollout has been given by the telco.
Malaysian telco DiGi expands 3G network
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: The HSDPA-enabled 3G network has been expanded by Malaysian mobile operator DiGi Telecommunications, offering theoretical downlink speeds of up to 14.4Mbps, in Sarawak, in line with its previously announced expansion plans.
68% of the population in Ipoh and 45% of those living in Kuching is covered by the launch and it is expected to reach 98% and 55% respectively by the end of March 2010. MYR100 million (USD29 million) investment has been further planned by DiGi to further enhance its footprint in Sarawak and Perak in the next three years.
According to DiGi CEO Johan Dennelind, DiGi was aiming to offer services in three further Malaysian states by the end of this year, with Johor Baharu said to be the next target and also added that DiGi’s existing 3G network already has coverage of almost 100% of Kota Kinabalu as well as 70% of both Penang and the Klang Valley, having inaugurated commercial services in March 2009 in the latter.
Maxis extends HSDPA to Penang
Malaysia’s Maxis Communications has expanded its HSDPA network to Penang. The company said it has spent MYR5 million (USD1.4 million) to deploy 3.5G services covering approximately 20,000 households in the region. It says it will invest MYR1.5 billion (USD408 million) in 3G and 3.5G over the next three years, during which time it expects to extend 3G coverage to 60% of the population.
According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, Maxis launched the country’s first commercial HSDPA network in the Klang Valley in late September 2006, offering download connections at up to 768kbps. The only service currently available is a residential internet offering, Maxis Broadband, but more conventional wireless services will follow shortly. Two HSDPA packages are available, both bundled with a fixed line telephony service, charged at MYR68 and MYR98 per month respectively, inclusive of modem rental. The MYR68 package offers download speeds of up to 384kbps, while the latter offers up to 768kbps. Both are liable for a one time MYR100 activation fee and a MYR88 installation charge, and are subject to an 18-month contract.
Source- telegeography Wireless Mobile Telecom
