Malaysia’s The Star Online is reporting that WiMAX provider YTL e-Solutions is set to ink a deal with hardware vendor Samsung that will see the latter help deploy WiMAX services across Peninsular Malaysia. YTL has previously said it plans to invest MYR2.5 billion (USD686.5 million) in rolling out mobile broadband services nationwide; no financial details of the agreement have been announced. It is understood that under the contract Samsung will provide radio network equipment and WiMAX handheld devices.
YTL, which will provide WiMAX services under the Y-Max Networks banner, is hoping to begin commercial WiMAX-based voice, data and multimedia services in the next six to eight months. It aims to have nationwide coverage in 14 months, offering download speeds of up to 8Mbps. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, YTL was granted its WiMAX licence in May 2007. Whilst the other three companies licensed at the time – Packet One Networks, AsiaspaceDotcom and REDtone-CNX had all launched services by end-2008, YTL was warned that it faced having its licence revoked if it did not speed up its launch plans.