Saturday March 17, 2007
Four get licences to run WiMAX
By STEVEN PATRICK
CYBERJAYA: Malaysians will soon enjoy greater mobility when accessing the Internet – no need to be tied to modems, a WiFi hotspot or a cybercafe.
WiMAX, a technology that enables wireless broadband access, is close to being implemented nationwide after the Government awarded four companies yesterday with licences to operate such networks.
Bizsurf (M) Sdn Bhd, MIB Comm Sdn Bhd, Asiaspace Dotcom Sdn Bhd and Redtone-CNX Broadband Sdn Bhd were given licences to operate WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) networks.
Bizsurf, MIB Comm and Asiaspace Dotcom will cover peninsular Malaysia while Redtone-CNX Broadband will serve Sabah and Sarawak.
Once these are in operation, Malaysians will be able to surf the Internet at ultra-high speeds from any point in the country, as well as enjoy new or improved Web-based services.
The four beat 13 other companies including telecommunications heavyweights DiGi.Com Bhd, Maxis Communications Bhd and TM Bhd.
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MCMC expects the winners to roll out their WiMAX services to 25% of the population in the areas given to them by year-end.
Also, it expects the Internet access speed to be no less than 1Mbps (megabit per second), which is equivalent to 1,000 kilobits per second. In comparison, Internet access via dial-up service is 56 kilobits per second.
MCMC also stipulated that the wireless 1Mbps service should be at “an affordable price.”
At the end of third year, the companies are expected to roll out the services to at least 40% of the population in the areas they control.
MCMC also wants each company to invest between RM250mil and RM300mil during the first three years of WiMAX implementation.
A poll of Internet users in the Klang Valley shows that they expect better online access at cheaper rates from the four WiMAX licencees, JO TIMBUONG reports.
They are also excited about being able to access the Internet from wherever they are.
Civil servant Hezrul Ali, 31, said having the Internet so readily available would encourage more Malaysians to surf for information and entertainment.
“This would help bridge the so-called digital divide,” he said.
A 32-year-old banker, who did not want to be named, said the increased connectivity would be welcome and hoped that the licencees would live up to their responsibilities.
“I am expecting really fast data-transfer speeds and a super stable connection; not like what I have to put up with now,” he said.
REDTone International Bhd group managing director Wei Chuan Beng said the 2.3GHz licence (for Sabah & Sarawak) would provide REDTone an opportunity to play a meaningful role in helping the Government realise its aim of greater broadband penetration, SUSAN TAM reports.
Green Packet Bhd chief executive officer Puan Chan Cheong thanked the commission and the Government for allowing the company to play a part and help the country to achieve its national broadband plan.
Related Stories:
Government keen on improving broadband services, says analyst
Affordable Internet service with WiMax
DiGi, Maxis remain committed
Too early to gauge
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