YTL partners with Cisco for WIMAX rollout

Y-Max Networks (YMN), a subsidiary of YTL Corporation (YTL), has announced a deal with hardware vendor Cisco to establish the formers core WiMAX network in Malaysia. The agreement will see Cisco build and integrate the network, which includes IP CORE, Operating Support Systems, Billing Systems, Proactive Network Operating Centre (PNOC), and Interoperability Testing labs. Commercial launch of the network is expected in 2009 in both urban and rural regions, and YMN expects to offer services including voice, data and video. Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, YTL’s executive chairman and managing director, said of the deal, ‘We have chosen Cisco because of its proven expertise and leadership globally in IP CORE network technology and experience in setting up PNOC. We need a technology partner that can enable a fast and efficient WiMAX core network establishment.’ YMN holds a WiMAX licence to offer services in the 2.3GHz spectrum band, which was awarded by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to roll out a nationwide WiMAX network in Peninsular Malaysia.