Maxis testing 4G technology

Friday May 7, 2010
By B.K. SIDHU

bksidhu@thestar.com.my

Celco also conducting trials for IPTV as part of growth strategy

PETALING JAYA: Maxis Communications Bhd is testing the 4G LTE (fourth generation long term evolution) technology and at the same time conducting trials for its IPTV (Internet protocol TV) offering in the Klang Valley. These exercises are all part of its growth strategy for the future.

“Maxis has always made sure that we trial-test new technology ahead of time. We were first to launch 3G and have done testing even for DVB-H (digital video broadcasting – handheld), HSDPA and even WiMAX,’’ Maxis chief executive officer Sandip Das said.

Whether Maxis will eventually deploy LTE will depend on spectrum allocation by the Government, but as a celco, it is exploring all possibilities given the fact that demand for mobile broadband is growing very rapidly.

“Maxis has a strong track record for adopting leading-class technology to enrich the lives of its customers and LTE is one of a number of technologies on the radar to enhance customer experience.

Sandip Das ... ‘LTE promises efficient use of spectrum.’

“However, no decision has been made at this point in time on the LTE vendor,’’ Sandip added.
LTE is the fourth generation wireless technology that was first deployed globally by TeliaSonera in Stockholm and Oslo at the end of last year. The Global Suppliers Association (GSA) said there were more than 59 LTE network commitments in 28 countries globally. LTE allows a peak download speed of 100 megabits per second on mobile phones.
It would be challenging to get new spectrum and that was why Maxis was also looking into ways of exploiting fully what it had, said Sandip. However, he added: “LTE promises efficient use of spectrum.’’
It has 2G, GPRS and 3G technologies and, at the moment, offers products and services for voice, data and images to its 12.3 million subscribers in the country.
Traditionally players look to the next generation of technologies to solve the problems presented within existing technology such as lack of capacity and speed. LTE and WiMAX are seen to be 4G technologies that can be used to increase bandwidth availability and resume an acceptable level of quality for data services.
However, there is presently much debate globally as to which 4G technology is superior.
Maxis, which was recently re-listed on Bursa Malaysia, said it would have the largest mobile footprint and 3G coverage in the country by year-end.
Besides LTE, the company has nearly 50 people trying out its IPTV offering. This would be the next big thing the company intends to offer. To Maxis, IPTV is just the conduit for more content to be delivered to its users.
It has reached 5.4 million mobile Internet users, with the number growing by the day.

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