Maxis is starts off the new year with a bang, announcing the launch of its 4G LTE service on 1 January 2013 – the first Malaysian telco to successfully launch the “true” 4G network. Available in selected areas, customers will enjoy wireless speeds of up to 75Mbps, with typical speeds of 10 to 30Mbps. More sites will be activated soon.
Early last month, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced the allocation of the 2600Mhz spectrum band, paving the way for mobile broadband access speeds of up to 100Mbps, as specified by the ITU as “4G”.
Maxis is one of eight companies allocated with the 2600Mhz spectrum band along with Celcom Axiata Bhd, DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd, Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd, REDtone Marketing Sdn Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd.
Aside from new player Puncak Semangat who received the bulk of the 2600Mhz spectrum (with 40Mhz), the rest received 20Mhz each.
Maxis was the first telco to run and complete extensive 4G LTE field trials. The company has been running 4G LTE trials for 2 years and conducting extensive 4G LTE interworking tests in a live network environment.
Long Term Evolution (LTE) is one of three rival technologies specified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as 4th generation or “4G”. Typical 4G speeds are 5-10 times faster than 3G. Current networks locally are HSPA+ dual carrier-based, and up to 42Mbps.
Maxis 4G LTE service is now available in selected parts of the Klang Valley including Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Damansara Utama, Desa Sri Hartamas, Bandar Puchong Jaya, Bandar Sunway and Cyberjaya. Customers who wish to experience next generation wireless data speeds with 4G LTE can walk in to Maxis Centres in KLCC and Taman Tun Dr Ismail during normal operating hours to sign up for the service. Customers can subscribe to any of the monthly Wireless Broadband packages from RM88.
