Packet One Networks (P1) has officially launched its 4G broadband service in Sabah, starting with capital Kota Kinabalu. The launch was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Culture, YB Datuk Joseph Salang.
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P1’s foray into Sabah is expected to be an aggressive one as the 4G WIMAX operator intends to cover approximately 80% of households in Kota Kinabalu within six months. P1 will invest RM30 million for deployment.
Chief Executive Officer of P1, Michael Lai said at the media conference, “With our entry into Sabah, P1 is passing another key milestone in our goal to deliver Broadband for All. We want Malaysia to quickly reach broadband penetration levels enjoyed by developed nations and will heed to the country’s call for strong private sector participation to achieve this.”
Introducing 4G services into Sabah is a positive step in meeting pent-up demand for high speed broadband, where East Malaysia is generally lagging in comparison with the Peninsula counterparts.
P1’s product range includes fixed-access home broadband with fixed phone service and on-the-go broadband for both consumers and businesses. Currently, residents in Taman Parkway, Taman Selesa, Taman Kemajuan, Warisan Village, Karamunsing and Taman Sempelang are able to enjoy P1’s full range of products and services.
P1 will continue to increase coverage in KK by the day, followed by Sandakan and Tawau. The company also expects to roll-out 4G services to Kuching by year end.
[spoiler title=”Read full official press release”]
For Immediate Release
P1’s 4G Broadband Officially Serves Sabah
Kota Kinabalu, 13 September 2012 – South East Asia’s leading 4G high speed broadband pioneer, Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (P1) officially launched its commercial service in Sabah. The launch was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Culture, YB Datuk Joseph Salang today.
Earlier this year, the company announced that it will invest RM30 million to kick-start its East Malaysia service deployment followed rapidly by a debut in Kota Kinabalu (KK) in August. P1’s aggressive rollout plan intends to cover approximately 80% of households in KK within six months.
Chief Executive Officer of P1, Michael Lai said at the media conference, “With our entry into Sabah, P1 is passing another key milestone in our goal to deliver Broadband for All. We want Malaysia to quickly reach broadband penetration levels enjoyed by developed nations and will heed to the country’s call for strong private sector participation to achieve this.”
“We also believe there is a pent-up demand for high performance and affordable high speed broadband in Sabah which our 4G services can fulfill,” he added.
P1 services are powered by 4G wireless technology which is said to be a more efficient ‘data highway’ compared with either conventional copper wire ADSL or 3G.
P1’s product range includes fixed-access home broadband with fixed phone service and on-the-go broadband for both consumers and businesses. Sabahans can also expect a new broadband experience from 4G wireless as it is ‘plug-and-play’, removes the hassle of wiring or the long waiting time for service installation.
According to YB Datuk Joseph Salang who officiated the launch, broadband is a necessity, the new life line for progress as proven by countries like South Korea and Taiwan which owe much of their rapid growth to strong focus on ICT development.
He added, “I am pleased to see companies like P1 help spur broadband adoption in East Malaysia and the rest of the nation. It is the government’s target to further raise household broadband penetration to 75% by 2015 and to address the digital divide between urban and rural areas. I am confident that we can achieve and even surpass this target with the key initiatives that the government has put in place and with the support by the private sector.”
The 4G technology is designed for rapid and wide area deployment, which serves as the best solution for cost-effective broadband access compared to current broadband technologies. Currently, residents in Taman Parkway, Taman Selesa, Taman Kemajuan, Warisan Village, Karamunsing and Taman Sempelang are able to enjoy P1’s full range of products and services. P1 will continue to cover more areas in KK by the day, followed by Sandakan and Tawau. The company will also be introducing their cutting-edge 4G services to Kuching by year end.
What early subscribers of P1 in KK say about the service – According to 32 year old Wilson Wilfred Doos, who uses the internet mostly for work and also sometimes to check his Facebook page said, “My experience with P1’s services started from the office as they too subscribe to P1, and I was so impressed with the speed and stability that I was convinced that I should get it for my home.”
As for restaurant manager and tech junkie, Kelvin Lau, speed was an essential to him because he does a lot of downloads and play online games as well. “A friend of mine who is using P1 recommended them to me. It’s been a good experience with P1 so far especially with speed and stability,” he added.
Another satisfied customer, 42 year old Rosminah Binti Moniring was introduced to P1 by a friend said, “I always feel the need to stay connected with my friends and family and do so via social networks. Therefore, I’m online all the time and I’m impressed with how fast and stable it is.” [/spoiler]
