P1 Leads Malaysia’s WiMAX Rollout with ZTE

P1’s multi-vendor strategy will accelerate growth of Malaysia’s largest WiMAX network in response to strong demands. Consumers can expect more new coverage area announcements soon

Kuala Lumpur – Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (“P1”) – Malaysia’s first and leading WiMAX telco today formalized a deal with ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) to complete P1’s phase two national WiMAX network rollout plan in efforts to meet strong demand.

“Our goal is simple – to make broadband a right for all Malaysians. To deliver this commitment, the rapid and quality deployment of the P1 W1MAX network is crucial. P1’s appointment of ZTE is another step in crystallising our commitment by accelerating the deployment of P1 W1MAX networks in more areas to meet the overwhelming consumer demand for high-quality, high-performance wireless broadband”, explained Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer, P1 at the signing ceremony between P1 and ZTE held at Kuala Lumpur.

The ceremony was witnessed by Y.B. Dato’ Joseph Salang, Deputy Minister of Energy, Water and Communications along with His Excellency Liu Jian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Malaysia.

As one of the world’s leading telecommunications equipment providers, ZTE is confident that it has the capabilities, knowledge and expertise to meet P1’s network rollout target of 35% WiMAX coverage by end of 2009.

“This successful collaboration with Malaysia’s leading WiMAX telco is testament to the strengths and capabilities that precedes ZTE’s reputation as the world’s leading telecommunications equipment providers. ZTE is committed to contribute to P1’s success and will work very closely with P1 to deliver the latest technologies and the best mobile broadband experience to every Malaysian”, said Zheng Bang, Managing Director, ZTE (Malaysia) Corp Sdn Bhd.

As part of the deal, ZTE will deploy P1’s phase two national network rollout plan including WiMAX network planning and design, equipment supply, engineering services and WiMAX network optimisation which is expected to be completed by end 2010.

P1’s planned phase two WiMAX network deployment will comprise of over 450 new sites in strategic market centres nationwide. For 2009, P1 aims to have 700 new sites up by year end.

P1 is expected to spend RM1 billion in CAPEX to support its aggressive network and product rollout over the next five years. From a consumer perspective, P1 looks to providing more regular updates on new P1 W1MAX coverage areas.

“Malaysia aims to achieve 50% broadband penetration by 2010 and as a staunch believer of broadband for all, P1 is eager to play a very proactive role in assisting the nation to achieve this. With plans to invest over RM1 billion to this cause, we are 110% committed. We have the resources, passion and drive to make this happen. I look forward to updating Malaysians on the latest P1 W1MAX coverage areas so that more and more people can experience the superior flexibility and performance that WiMAX can offer.” Michael concluded.

As one of the 15 WiMAX Forum Board members, ZTE has been a strong promoter and a critical player within the WiMAX ecosystem. Its main mission is to realise the ultimate dream of broadband anytime anywhere. ZTE is now the world’s second largest WiMAX equipment provider by commercial WiMAX deployment contracts share globally. To date, ZTE has successfully deployed WiMAX networks in 23 countries serving over 35 operators.