Packet One Networks (P1) will invest MYR30 million (USD8.76 million) in the first two phases of its WiMAX rollout in Penang over the next three years, according to The Edge Daily. P1 chief executive officer Michael Lai said the network would cover selected areas on the island by year-end, extending to the rest of the state within the next three years; P1 is committed to covering 25% of the Malaysian population by the first quarter of 2009 and 70% of the population by end of next year. ‘We are hopeful that at least 20% to 25% of Penangites will subscribe to our WiMAX services within the next three years,’ Lai said.
The rollout of services in the Penang region will be done under two banners, with the first, Penang Free WiFi, launched last week, offering free wireless broadband to the general public, specifically targeting under-served areas and lower income housing estates. The second element of service, WiMAX@PENANG, will start rollout in October 2008 with base stations deployed in George Town, Penang Island and Seberang Perai; with the service designed to complement the free offering by targeting areas with the highest population density and strongest commercial viability.