Malaysia’s Maxis Communications has launched the country’s first commercial HSDPA services, and 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. The HSDPA network was rolled out by Ericsson and Siemens, and is initially available in the Klang Valley, offering download connections at up to 768kbps. Services are available in selected Klang Valley neighbourhoods in the Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, USJ, Puchong, Cheras and Wangsa Maju areas. The network will be extended to Penang next month.
The first service to be made 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, inclusive of modem rental. The MYR68 package offers download speeds 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. ‘We are very proud to be among the first, if not the first, operator globally to use HSDPA, a high speed upgrade of the 3G network, for residential broadband,’ Maxis said in a statement.