Nokia reshapes the telco industry

After completing the sale of its Devices and Services business to Microsoft on 25th April 2014, Nokia is reinventing its business with a three-pronged approach: Networks, HERE, and Technologies. While it’s no longer a manufacturer of mobile devices, its expertise in mobile broadband technology remains its core business proposition; a 2.7 billion Euro business as seen in its Q1 2014 interim report.

Nokia’s restructure allows the company to reposition itself as one of the world’s largest software companies, and to meet its goals as a leader in technologies for a world where everyone and everything is connected.

Nokia’s Networks business (previously known as Nokia Solutions and Networks) still serves more than 90 of the world’s 100 largest mobile operators, and is ranked second in telecommunications services and third in mobile radio. Networks has remained profitable, with 10 consecutive quarters of positive free cash flow, and is currently ranked as a ‘Leader’ for three years in a row by Gartner for LTE Network Infrastructure in 2014.

As an early leader in virtualisation and cloud technologies, Nokia has identified 10 key global trends that it believes will shape the telecommunications industry. In Malaysia, the key trends are: New spectrum and the growth of mobile data; mixed radio technologies; network sharing and consolidation; telco cloud and virtualisation; and data analytics with cognitive networks.

Operators in Malaysia are driving tremendous mobile data growth through LTE. On average, compounded growth rate of mobile data usage in Asia Pacific over a period of five years is 32 per cent, but with LTE, this could grow to more than 80 per cent, according to ABI Research March 2014 report.

Malaysia is a country with a mixed radio environment. With operators running 3G, HSUPA and LTE, Nokia’s flexible solutions will allow telcos to cater to the whole spectrum. It is also not uncommon for Malaysian operators to share their network and consolidate their operations, either through partnerships or acquisitions. For example, the recent purchase of P1 by Telekom Malaysia provides opportunities for telcos to look into at least three or four technology areas in the country. These flexible solutions let operators make full use of the spectrum in a mixed radio environment.

For network efficiency, telcos are also paying attention to the latest cloud innovations. The recent telco cloud solution provides more flexibility in the delivery of services and in exploring new business models. These are aspects that Malaysian telcos are currently evaluating, and will be a reality in the next two years. Data from these cognitive networks will also allow operators to deliver a more customised user experience and is a way to differentiate their offerings from the other operators.

Nokia recently revisited Mobile World Congress in Kuala Lumpur, and showcased its latest innovations geared to place operators at the very top of their game. Some of these innovations are:

1. Telco Cloud: Telcos in the Cloud
Continuous traffic growth and unpredictable traffic patterns are challenges in maintaining a quality network experience. At the same time, the capacity to provide a great network experience and implement new services quickly is extremely important to drive revenue.

Nokia’s Telco Cloud is a solution that combines Network Functions Virtualisation and Operations Support System that help operators prepare, implement and run their own telco clouds, and migrate existing telco services to cloud-based networks.

Nokia’s telco cloud is considered revolutionary in the sense that operators can now manage unanticipated data growth with elastic scaling of mobile networks. This solution reduces the total cost of ownership with standardised platforms and has a high level of automation.

2. Liquid Applications: Faster Services in Real Time
Retaining profitability while delivering superior quality services has always been the two main priorities for telcos. One of the ways Nokia assists telcos with this is with Liquid Applications. It works by plugging Nokia’s Radio Applications Cloud Server (RACS) into the standard IT middleware at a base station. The server taps into the base station’s existing capabilities, and extracts real-time network insights; allowing operators to rapidly move from problem identification to precisely pinpointing the cause of service degradation.

Liquid Applications enhances the user experience through acceleration with nearby content that can be delivered faster. This improves time-to-content and cuts download time by up to 80 per cent. Nokia’s Liquid Application also collects real-time data, and allow telcos to leverage that data and insight from their own network. With the necessary information, operators can offer their customers the best context-related and location-based services.

3. Customer Experience Management: Winning with Customers
According to Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission 2013 Digital Lifestyle Malaysia report, Malaysian mobile phone penetration increased to 143.4 per cent in 2013 from 128.7 per cent in 2012. This growing customer base and its demands for quality services will require a tried and tested customer management system.

Nokia’s Customer Experience Management (CEM) Umbrella Solutions is aimed at helping operators manage their customers’ experience through a user-friendly online portal. This CEM Umbrella Solution allows operators to access and share their network information across their organisation; allowing engineers to address customer issues from consumer reports and dashboards. Whenever mobile service is affected, engineers can drill down immediately to individual customer accounts and fix the problem.

4. Voice over VoLTE: Crystal Clear Connectivity
With more mobile devices equipped with LTE capabilities, more Malaysian telcos will start offering LTE services to consumers. Despite this shift to data-centric services, 70 per cent of telco revenues still rely on existing voice and SMS services.

Nokia’s Voice over LTE (VoLTE) fulfils the vision of mobile broadband over LTE with high quality voice, video and multimedia services. VoLTE with SRVCC (Single Radio Voice Call Continuity) also provides subscribers the flexibility to roam seamlessly between LTE and 3G areas without experiencing call drops.

A full integration of existing networks with Nokia’s VoLTE solution requires no drastic changes to the mobile voice network. Full voice service continuity with faster roll-out means that operators can continue their network upgrades without any down time.

Connectivity at its Core

As the world’s specialist in mobile broadband, Nokia’s Networks business will continue to invent new capabilities valuable to telcos and be at the forefront of mobile technology. Network’s focus will continue to provide telcos with efficient solutions with the intelligence to maximise value and run seamlessly.

TM TURNS IN HEALTHY PERFORMANCE FOR 1Q2014 – GROUP REVENUE OF RM2.62 BILLION, UP 8.1% YOY; PROFIT BEFORE TAX UP 21.8% YOY TO RM279.6 MILLION

• Group Revenue grew 8.1% YOY to RM2.62 billion
• Group Reported Operating Profit (EBIT) rose 6.3% YOY to RM316.8 million
• Group Profit Before Tax (PBT) surged 21.8% YOY to RM279.6 million
• Reported Group Profit (PATAMI) stood at RM 210.6 million
• Maintains position as Malaysia’s broadband champion; 
• Strong YOY broadband customer base growth 5.7% to 2.23 million
• Strong UniFi growth of 22.6% YOY with over 665,000 customers 

Kuala Lumpur, 28 May 2014. Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2014, where the Group posted a Revenue growth of 8.1% YOY to RM2.62 billion from RM2.42 billion in the corresponding period last year. The growth was mainly driven by Internet, Data and Other services.

Group Reported Operating Profit (Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)) grew 6.3% YOY to RM316.8 million from RM298.0 million in 1Q2013.

Correspondingly, Group Profit Before Tax (PBT) increased 21.8% to RM279.6 million in the current quarter from RM229.5 million in 1Q2013 due to lower net finance cost and net forex gain.

Reported Group Profit or Profit After Tax And Non-controlling Interest (PATAMI) stood at RM210.6 million in the current year quarter. Group Normalised PATAMI was lower by 20.8% YOY to RM185.3 million due to expiry of tax incentives in September last year.

Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM, said: "We’re pleased to report that we started the year with an encouraging set of results. For the first quarter 2014, we recorded group revenue of RM2.62 billion, an increase of 8.1% against the corresponding period last year. This commendable growth was due to positive growth in our key products, Internet, Data and Other services. Our Operating Profit also improved by 6.3% YOY to RM316.8 million. We also reported an improved capex/revenue ratio, which reduced from 9.7% to 7.7%.”

Tan Sri Zam went on to comment, “As Malaysia’s Broadband Champion, our customer base grew 5.7% from 2.11 million in 1Q2013 to 2.23 million customers in the current quarter, with continued growth seen both in UniFi and Streamyx. UniFi demand remains strong, and we recorded a 22.6% growth YOY with close to 653,000 customers, a net add of about 121,000 customers. UniFi continues to see a healthy growth, with over 665,000 customers to date. UniFi is now available via 1.507 million ports providing coverage to 2.512 million premises on the back of 105 exchanges. This translates to about 43% take-up rate. More customers are taking up our high speed broadband packages of 4Mbps and above, and as at March 2014, 43% of our customers are now high speed broadband users. We are also happy to note that the take up of 8Mbps Streamyx package offered in non-Unifi areas recorded a 42% growth as compared to last quarter. We remain focused on giving the best experience to our customers. In line with the growing demand for data, we will continue to offer innovative products, with integrated and strong value propositions that will make our customers’ lives easier at home and beyond. It is important that we keep up the progress we are making across the Group whilst continuing to deliver enhanced customer experience via the various improvement initiatives we have embarked on to improve our levels of service.”

In the first quarter, Internet services turned in a revenue of RM726.1 million, a growth of 12.7% YOY from RM644.3 million recorded in 1Q2013 driven primarily by growth in UniFi customers and higher subscription for HyppTV Content. Data revenue increased by 3.5% YOY to RM605.5 million in the current quarter from RM584.8 million in 1Q2013 driven by new circuits installations and upgrade to higher bandwidth.

TM also sustained its capital and cost efficiencies, with capex/revenue ratio improved to 7.7% against 9.7% in 1Q2013. Total capex spent for 1Q2014 was RM200.7 million, of which RM110.4 million was for HSBB.

Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2014

The outlook for telecom industry for 2014 remains positive, with data and broadband continuing to be the key driver for growth. TM expects a good year ahead with domestic demand continuing to be the key driver for growth, together with improving external demand and strong private investments. This is supported by the projected Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) 2014 GDP growth outlook of 5.3%. 2015 sees GDP growth projected to improve to 5.5%, mainly driven by economic efficiency and innovation. (Source: Malaysian Economic Outlook, MIER, 24 April 2014).

2014 is a Game Changing year for TM with its ongoing transformation journey towards becoming an Information and Innovation Exchange. TM will continue to strengthen our position as the Broadband Champion in Malaysia as we foresee that the take-up of our high value broadband packages will still continue. TM expects higher HyppTV viewership with the introduction of attractive promotions such as the recent ‘Hypp-Normous Deal’ and the current ‘Stream Champion Deal’. In addition, the Group will continue to enhance our content such as the recent launch of ‘Dunia Sinema’, Malaysia’s first dedicated Malay movie channel. HyppTV currently offers customers 117 channels consisting of 28 free channels with 8 Radio Channels and 50 premium channels (of which 34 channels are HD), 18 Video-On-Demand (VOD) genres and 21 interactive channels.

TM will continue with its commitment to push Malaysian SMEs up the value chain. This year, TM organises its 3rd edition of its TM SME BizFest 2014 – themed “Innovate to Dominate” - which serves as a platform for SMEs to understand how ICT can empower their businesses. TM had also recently launched UniFi BIZ 100, a dual play (2P) offering enabling SMEs customers to enjoy high speed internet access of 100 Mbps and voice service.

In anticipation of customers’ needs and their ever increasing expectations, TM recently entered into a partnership with Green Packet Berhad and SK Telekom Co. Ltd. This will reflect our aspiration to become the leading next-generation converged communication services provider. Through P1, TM is working to expand our capabilities into the wireless broadband space more efficiently thus enabling the Company to provide a complete portfolio of services to our valued customers. This partnership lays the foundation for the development of a new LTE platform and opening up possibilities for the Group to deliver fully integrated high-quality internet, data and application across all market segments.

TM looks forward to continuing its fresh and innovative approaches to the market as is committed to make ‘Life Made Easier’ and ‘Business Made Easier’ with TM.

Barring unforeseen circumstances the Board of Directors expects 2014 to be a positive year for TM.

Samsung injects a dose of gold and electric blue into the GALAXY S5

Consumers continue to power up their lives with Samsung's latest smartphone

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 26 May 2014 – The perforated pattern on the back cover of the newly-launched GALAXY S5 smartphone is now given a brand new look through the arrival of two new colour variants – gold and electric blue.Samsung Malaysia Electronics today announced the availability of both colours.

Lee Dong Yong, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics said: "The introduction of the two colour variants continues to emphasise the iconic design of the GALAXY S5. We hope to create opportunities for our consumers to improve their everyday lives, be it through a fashion trend, a favourite feature or simply, a holistic smartphone experience. This fuels our desire to deliver people-inspired innovation with essential features for day-to-day use."

With the advanced camera on the GALAXY S5, users can capture precious memories with professional-like picture quality. Its 16MP camera allows users to rapidly shot images, thanks to the fast auto focus speed of up to 0.3 seconds. The advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature reproduces natural light and colour to ensure photos taken are as close to what we see through our eyes. Meanwhile, the Selective Focus allows users to blur background objects and patterns, leaving the main subject of the photo focused and become the centre of attention, just as how a professional photographer would have shot it.

The GALAXY S5 also boosts faster network connectivity, with the most advanced 4G LTE performance. Zealous movie fans can now download their favourite movies faster than before. The new Download Booster function combines WiFi and LTE to boost data speed for faster upload and download, especially for large files like music, videos and images.

On top of that, the GALAXY S5 doubles as a fitness tool with a built-in heart rate sensor and an enhanced S Health app that serves as a personal fitness tracker, via tools such as a pedometer, diet and exercise records. It is akin to having your very own coach who monitors your diet and keeps track of your exercise records so that you are in good shape.

The GALAXY S5 is ready to take on the world, and equipped with vital tools to ensure that consumers can use the device with ease, be it rain or shine, coffee spill or even toilet accidents. An IP67 certification on the GALAXY S5 renders it dust and water-resistant up to 1 metre for 30 minutes, which offers a security blanket for consumers in moments of unavoidable minor accidents.

The Samsung GALAXY S5 retails for RM2,399 and is available in four colours – black, white, gold and electric blue – at all Samsung Experience Stores and authorised retailers.

For multimedia content and more information about the Samsung GALAXY S5, please visit www.samsung.com/my or visit Samsung Mobile Malaysia Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/samsungmobilemalaysia.

MAXIS KICKS OFF CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES WITH LAUNCH OF HOTLINK 4G

• Prepaid customers get to experience the fastest and widest 4G network in the country with Hotlink 4G
• Enjoy 50% additional data with the purchase of a 1GB or 3GB monthly internet pass 
• Exciting activities and prizes this Chinese New Year, including a chance to win tickets to Da Mouth & DJ Tenashar concert

Morten Lundal, Maxis’ Chief Executive Officer (centre, back row), and Dushyan Vaithiyanathan, Maxis’ Head of Consumer Business (third from left, back row), together with the ‘God of Prosperity’ and Hotlink 4G roller bladers at the launch of the Maxis Chinese New Year campaign, held earlier today at the KLCC iCentre.

Kuala Lumpur, 13 January 2014. Maxis Berhad (Maxis) got its Chinese New Year celebrations underway today with the launch of Hotlink 4G, enabling prepaid customers to experience even faster internet speeds on Malaysia's first and widest 4G network.

Morten Lundal, Maxis’ Chief Executive Officer, distributing ‘Ang Pows’ to Maxis customers at the KLCC iCentre earlier today.

All customers need to do is to purchase a #Hotlink SIM pack for RM8.80, and do a 4G SIM swap at any Maxis Centre nationwide. They will then need to subscribe to a 1GB or 3GB monthly mobile internet pass, priced at RM30 and RM68 respectively, to start enjoying faster speeds on Maxis’ 4G network. To subscribe to the passes, customers need to dial *100# from their mobile phones. Customers will also get 50% more data if they purchase the monthly mobile internet passes from today until 28 February.

Morten Lundal, Maxis’ Chief Executive Officer (centre) and Dushyan Vaithiyanathan, Maxis’ Head of Consumer Business (third from right), together with the ‘God of Prosperity’ and Hotlink 4G roller bladers at the launch of the Maxis Chinese New Year campaign, held earlier today at the KLCC iCentre.

Dushyan Vaithiyanathan, Maxis’ Head of Consumer Business said, “Following the launch of #Hotlink in September last year, we have taken a step further to enhance our prepaid customers’ mobile experience by enabling them to surf the internet at even faster speeds. Today, more and more people are accessing richer content on their devices, such as video and music streaming as well as data-heavy websites. So Hotlink 4G is a natural progression and makes sense for customers as they get to enjoy an even better experience, and no one does it better than Maxis!”

The Maxis team kicking off its Chinese New Year campaign and introduced Hotlink 4G earlier today at Menara Maxis.

The journey of Maxis’ Chinese New Year campaign and Hotlink 4G kicked off with Maxis’ Chief Executive Officer Morten Lundal, together with the God of Prosperity and a group of 20 roller-bladers, handing out ‘Ang Pows’ to the public at the KLCC Maxis Centre and around the KLCC fountain area.

The Hotlink 4G roller bladers and promoters make their way around the KLCC area to spread the word about Maxis’ Chinese New Year campaign and Hotlink 4G. 

Over the next few weeks, the roller bladers will head towards roadshows in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru during which the public can participate in exciting games and activities. The final roadshow will take place from 7 – 9 February, where customers will stand a chance to win tickets to a special Hotlink-sponsored concert, featuring Taiwanese hip hop band Da Mouth and Hong Kong-based DJ Tenashar, on 15 February. Subscribers of the 1GB or 3GB Mobile Internet passes can also participate in SMS contests to stand a chance to win VIP tickets to the concert.

To learn more about Hotlink 4G, visit www.hotlink.com.my.

U MOBILE BRINGS FASTER, UNLIMITED MOBILE INTERNET EXPERIENCE THROUGH ITS 4G LTE SERVICES

Telco Officially Announces Availability of 4G LTE Services to Customers in Strategic Areas within Klang Valley and Johor Bahru, Providing 4G Internet Service for All

Petaling Jaya, 17 December 2013 – U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s most dynamic and innovative mobile operator, has officially announced the availability of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 4G internet service, offering customers high speed mobile internet of up to 75 megabits per second (Mbps) at  best value rates for prepaid, postpaid and broadband plan customers. U Mobile is among the firsts in Malaysia to offer 4G LTE services to prepaid subscribers.

U Mobile is providing 4G LTE services for all - enabling new and existing prepaid plan, postpaid plan and broadband plan customers to enjoy high speed 4G LTE mobile internet in strategic areas within the Klang Valley, namely Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Puchong and  Berjaya Times Square  as well as Taman Molek in Johor Bahru. U Mobile customers within the stated vicinities can now enjoy high speed mobile internet and broadband access, ideal for web-browsing, video streaming, downloading and uploading files, and staying connected with friends and family.

Wong Heang Tuck (second from left) Chief Operating Officer cum Acting CEO of U Mobile, and Too Tian Jen (second from right), Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile, officiating the launch of U Mobile 4G LTE by filling up the 4G symbol with an orange concoction.

“Mobile trends are evolving rapidly, and consumers today are seeking more than just internet access on their mobile phones – they are looking at high speed mobile internet for web-browsing, video streaming and staying connected with their loved ones. As the leading data centric operator, the roll out of 4G LTE services is a testament that we understand the pulse of our customers’ as well as industry needs and trends by expanding and diversifying our line of offering. We are looking at extending the 4G LTE network reach within the next few quarters, so that our customers can enjoy unlimited high speed mobile Internet, and an enhanced mobile experience with U Mobile,” said Wong Heang Tuck, Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO of U Mobile Sdn Bhd.

The 4G LTE eligible customers – prepaid, postpaid and broadband plan users will automatically enjoy 4G LTE services and speed whenever they are within the stated coverage areas with their LTE enabled mobile devices (handset or modem).  All the procedures are made easy, and hassle free without additional subscription, registration or the tedious procedure of changing the SIM card. To fully activate and enjoy the U Mobile 4G LTE services, customers will need to enable the 4G LTE service via SMS by typing “LTE ON” and send to 28118.

(From second left) Jasmine Lee, Director of Marketing; Wong Heang Tuck, Chief Operating Officer cum Acting CEO; Too Tian Jen, Chief Technology Officer; Alex Tan, Director of Sales; Tan Hoon San, Chief Financial Officer and Ng Siew Khim, Chief Corporate Service Officer of U Mobile Sdn Bhd.

The U Mobile prepaid and postpaid plans are designed to cater to various customer segment and mobile needs, distinguishing themselves through unlimited internet access, free calls, free SMS and various value-added services for an unrivalled mobile experience. On top of that, these features will serve as an additional avenue for the subscribers to stay connected with their friends and family.

U Mobile was one of the nine companies within the local mobile industry awarded with the 2,600MHz spectrum by MCMC. The company will be expanding its 4G LTE network reach by upgrading existing U Mobile infrastructures to enable 4G LTE services, while exploring other strategic approaches to enable its customers to enjoy high speed mobile internet that matches their digital lifestyle.

In conjunction with the 4G LTE launch, U Mobile will be offering attractive promotional LTE device bundle-plans starting from 17 December 2013 to 31 January 2014. Customers can now take home a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 at a price of RM999 when they sign up for the Ultimate Device 158 plan with a commitment fee of RM120 per month.

The U Mobile 4G LTE services are applicable to U Mobile 4G LTE coverage areas within Klang Valley -Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Puchong, Berjaya Times Square and Taman Molek in Johor Bahru. U Mobile customers who are on the following plans are eligible for the 4G LTE services:-

• Prepaid plans -  UMI 38 and UMI 48
• Postpaid plans -  U58, U88, E58, E88, UD68, UD98, UD158, U Premium, U Platinum and Internet Share Plan 68
• Broadband plans -  MB40, MB68 and MB128 for prepaid and postpaid  plans
• Booster Plans -  Prepaid Booster 1GB and Postpaid Booster 1.5GB

Telstra readies Australia for extreme data speeds with 4G LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation

• Telstra and Ericsson successfully demonstrated speeds up to 300 Mbps with LTE Advanced Carrier Aggregation of 40 MHz over 1800 MHz band and 2600 MHz bands on Telstra's live commercial network
• Ericsson uses LTE Advanced technology to enable operators to offer higher data speeds throughout the network, improving end users mobile broadband experience through better app, browsing and media performance
• Telstra plans to deploy the technology on 700 MHz spectrum once available 

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) successfully supported Telstra, Australia's leading telecommunication operator, in further enhancing its LTE Advanced (LTE-A) commercial service network.  Telstra and Ericsson successfully demonstrated 300 Mbps downlink speeds for a data transfer across Telstra's live network. The demonstration used Ericsson's commercially released LTE Advanced software which aggregated 20 MHz bandwidth within the 1800 MHz band and 20 MHz bandwidth within the 2600 MHz band. The demonstration included downloading video content from while measuring download throughput.

Mike Wright, Telstra Executive Director Networks, said that the tests were an important foundational step towards being able to deploy Cat 6 LTE Advanced Carrier Aggregation when Telstra receives access to the 700MHz spectrum freed up by the Digital Dividend.

"The trials we conducted overnight demonstrate the ability to aggregate two channels of 20 MHz spectrum on our commercial network. While the download speeds we achieved of 300 Mbps are very impressive, for Telstra the main outcome is that we will be able to build out the capacity in our network to manage the future wireless data needs of our customers and continue to deliver them the most reliable network speeds and experience," said Wright.

Operators who want to offer a superior user experience need to build networks that provide both excellent voice and data coverage so that users can run all their favorite apps, including video, on smartphones and tablets.  

LTE Advanced enables operators to deliver even higher performance mobile data transfer when customers need it. Operators will be able to provide subscribers throughout the network with twice the data speeds that they are receiving today by joining 20 MHz in one band to 20 MHz in another. In ideal conditions, with speeds of up to 300 Mbps, consumers will be able to download a large 800 MB file in approximately 21 seconds.

Thomas Norén, Head of Product Area Radio at Ericsson, said: "We are pleased to show with Telstra the network readiness of LTE Advanced Carrier Aggregation beyond 20 MHz. The delivery of a superior mobile broadband experience remains key as smart device users depend more upon mobile broadband for everyday life. We also look forward to continuing our work with global chipset and handset manufacturers as the Carrier Aggregation ecosystem evolves further."

Ericsson is the market leader in LTE. Today, 50 percent of the world's LTE smartphone traffic is served by Ericsson networks, which is more than double the traffic of our closest competitor. Ericsson also powers the two world's first commercially launched LTE Advanced Carrier Aggregation networks in South Korea.  More than 180 LTE RAN and Evolved Packet Core networks have been delivered worldwide, of which more than 110 have gone live commercially. Ericsson is present today in all high-traffic LTE markets including the US, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Canada, and has been selected by nine of the top 10 LTE operators as ranked by LTE subscriptions worldwide. We expect to hold 25 percent of all essential patents in LTE, both for TDD and FDD mode, and we support common hardware and software for FDD and TDD systems, giving operators maximum flexibility in their FDD and TDD deployment.

Huawei’s LTE 150M High Speed Mobile WiFi E5776 Now Available in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 8 November 2013: Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, announced the availability of its LTE Category 4 multi-mode Mobile WiFi product - the HUAWEI E5776. This Mobile WiFi device supports Wi-Fi 2×2, providing a LTE network download speed of up to 150Mbps. With a battery life lasting up to 10 hours, the E5776 can simultaneously support the connection of 10 devices with Wi-Fi access to an LTE network.

Featuring a horizontal screen design and a sleek streamlined design, the E5776 is all about speed and ease of use. With this latest Mobile WiFi device from Huawei, downloading a 1GB high-definition movie on a Cat 4 150Mbps LTE network takes less than a minute. It is compatible with more than 95% of battery-powered devices on the market that connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi, allowing convenient access to the LTE wireless broadband network anytime, anywhere. The E5776’s Mobile Control function allows users to monitor, access and edit the E5776’s settings via their mobile phone. The device’s SD Share function enables the sharing of pictures, documents, music, and video files from their SD cards with their friends via Wi-Fi.

With the E5776, Huawei Device continues to lead the LTE industry. Its portfolio of industry-leading products include the industry's first LTE DD800 single-mode CPE Device B390, the world's first LTE/ UMTS/ GSM multi-mode data card E398, LTE TDD multi-mode data card E392, TDD/ FDD multi-mode CPE Device B593, and the Mobile WiFi E589. Huawei remains committed to the research and development of LTE technology and is committed to the commercialization of LTE technology globally.

The Huawei Mobile WiFi E5776 is priced at RM599 and is available at all Huawei authorized dealers. For Maxis subscribers, the device comes free with a data plan sign up starting from RM88 per month.

Ericsson Mobility Report: Global smartphone subscriptions to reach 5.6 billion by 2019

• Mobile subscriptions will reach 9.3 billion by 2019, 5.6 billion of which will be for smartphones 
• 90 percent of the world's population will be covered by WCDMA/HSPA in 2019 and 65 percent will be covered by LTE 
• Smartphone subscriptions will triple and smartphone traffic will increase 10 times between 2013 and 2019

The latest Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) Mobility Report reveals that mobile subscriptions are expected to reach 9.3 billion by 2019, and more than 60 percent of these - 5.6 billion - will be for smartphones. To support the smartphone user experience, WCDMA/HSPA networks are predicted to cover 90 percent of the world's population by 2019. Moreover, almost two-thirds (65 percent) of the world's population will be covered by 4G/LTE networks.

Currently, smartphones represent 25-30 percent of all mobile phone subscriptions, yet they account for the majority (55 percent) of mobile phones sold in Q3.

Douglas Gilstrap, Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy at Ericsson, says: "The rapid pace of smartphone uptake has been phenomenal and is set to continue. It took more than five years to reach the first billion smartphone subscriptions, but it will take less than two to hit the 2 billion mark1. Between now and 2019, smartphone subscriptions will triple.

"Interestingly, this trend will be driven by uptake in China and other emerging markets as lower-priced smartphone models become available."

Smartphone traffic will grow by 10 times between 2013 and 2019, reaching 10 exabytes. Video is growing 55 percent annually, and will represent more than 50 percent of the mobile data traffic, while social networking and web services will account for around 10 percent each in 2019.

This edition of Ericsson Mobility Report includes further analysis of app coverage2 - a new approach to evaluating network performance and user experience - with particular focus on indoor and city environments. Radio signals attenuate rapidly as they go through buildings and the high concentration of users, building material and height all pose additional challenges.

Having good mobile coverage is an important aspect of life for many; it is now ranked among the top five satisfaction factors of life in a city. As the majority of mobile traffic originates from cities, Ericsson compares three different strategies to provide indoor coverage using simulation software to predict the extent of app coverage in high-rise buildings in this issue.

To accompany the Mobility Report, Ericsson has created the Traffic Exploration Tool, for creating customized graphs and tables using data from the report. The information can be filtered by region, subscription, technology, traffic and device type.

1Estimated growth in total smartphone subscriptions, 2012 to 2014
2App coverage measures the network's ability to deliver sufficient performance to run a particular application at an acceptable quality level

Telstra and Ericsson conduct world's first LTE broadcast on live network

• Telstra showcased live video and large file delivery over their live LTE network 
• Ericsson's LTE Broadcast solution enables new revenue models for premium content and efficiently utilizes available LTE spectrum and network resources 
• Broadcast highlights how LTE networks can deliver the highest-quality video content to anyone, anywhere, anytime without buffering

Australia's leading telecommunications provider, Telstra, announced that it has completed the world's first LTE Broadcast session on a commercial LTE network. Ericsson's (NASDAQ:ERIC) LTE Broadcast Solution was successfully activated and tested on Telstra's live network with the transmission of concurrent video feeds and large files to enabled devices.

During the demonstration, the devices received different video feeds, including a sports match replay, sporting network news, horse racing coverage and news. Additionally, the devices received a large file using the single LTE Broadcast channel.

Mike Wright, Telstra Executive Director, Networks said: "The trial is an important step in testing this technology to see how it provides network efficiencies while providing consumers the content they want in a high-quality experience. Our goal is to ensure consumers can get the content they are looking for easily and to explore the wider benefits that might be obtained using broadcasting technology."

Thomas Norén, Vice President and Head of Project Area Radio, Ericsson says: "LTE Broadcast provides the ability to send the same content simultaneously to a very large number of devices in a target area. Mobile operators can use this ability and monetize their media and network assets for new services. Revenue generation and cost-saving opportunities are significant and provide an attractive value proposition for mobile operators."

Ericsson's LTE Broadcast solution will transform the video experience, offering the highest quality broadcast video over LTE networks and enabling service providers to optimize the use of the existing spectrum and networks, both dynamically and efficiently.

Qualcomm Labs' LTE Broadcast SDK and Middleware enabled these features on the trial devices running on Qualcomm® Snapdragon(TM) processor and integrated modem platforms.

"This is a significant milestone towards making LTE Broadcast a commercial reality," said Mazen Chmaytelli, senior director of business development, Qualcomm Labs, Inc. "We are pleased to be working closely with Telstra and Ericsson to deliver an enhanced mobile experience using Qualcomm Labs' LTE Broadcast SDK and Middleware running on Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and integrated modem platforms." Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Unique content can be delivered concurrently to a large number of subscribers, for example multiple video feeds with different angles for close-up views or replays during live sporting events. Other uses include sending updates and content to digital signage or billboards.

Consumers can also enjoy pre-loaded updates of things like software or the morning paper, so they don't need to wait for downloads in high-traffic situations.

Ericsson's Mobility Report 2013 predicts that video traffic in mobile networks will grow by around 60 percent annually until 2018. LTE Broadcast enhances LTE unicast delivery to ensure the most effective delivery of content to very large numbers of consumers in a particular area. Today, leading LTE mobile operators are trialing the technology and use cases globally to explore the business potential.

Intel is Inside the New Samsung GALAXY Tab 3 10.1 LTE Samsung GALAXY Tab 3 10.1 LTE Available in Malaysia

The new Samsung GALAXY Tab 3 10.1 LTE is equipped with Intel's 4G LTE solutions and powered by the Intel® Atom™ SoC ("Clover Trail+") platform for Android* tablets.
Intel® Atom™ processor Z2560 provides outstanding performance, battery life and overall experience for Android tablet users.
Intel® XMM 7160 is one of the world's smallest and lowest-power multimode-multiband solutions for global LTE roaming in one SKU with envelope tracking and antenna tuning.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3, 2013 – Signaling the company's continued momentum in the tablet market segment, Intel Malaysia together with Samsung Malaysia Electronics announced the availability of the new Samsung GALAXY Tab 3 10.1 LTE; powered by the Intel® Atom™ Z2560 processor ("Clover Trail+"). Additionally, the new Samsung GALAXY Tab 3 10.1 LTE will come equipped with Intel's XMM 6262 3G modem solution or Intel's XMM 7160 4G LTE solution.

“Customers are selecting Intel technology because it offers the best balance of high performance, power efficiency and battery life,” said Prakash Mallya, Country Manager Sales and Marketing for Intel Malaysia and Singapore at the launch event. “It's ultimately about the consumer experience, and we are confident people will be pleased with what Intel has to offer.”

“At Samsung, we strive to keep a constant pulse to the ever-changing needs of people to deliver devices that are not only relevant but complementary of a multitude of lifestyle demands. The partnership with Intel allows us to deliver an innovation with unparalleled performance. Powered by Intel Atom processor, the Samsung GALAXY Tab 3 10.1 LTE provides an enhanced multimedia experience for families. The tablet seamlessly combines sleek design and enhanced multimedia capabilities for home and family use,” said Vincent Chong, Director of IT & Mobile Communications, Samsung Malaysia Electronics Sdn Bhd.

Intel in Samsung GALAXY Tab 3 10.1 LTE
People expect more from their tablets, and the dual-core Intel Atom SoC ("Clover Trail+") platform for Samsung GALAXY Tab 3 10.1 LTE provides double the compute performance and 3x graphics capabilities with competitive battery life compared to the previous-generation Intel Atom processors platform1.

Intel Atom processors are designed and optimized for a lightning-fast applications experience, responsive Web browsing, stunning 3-D graphics, advanced camera capabilities and vivid HD video with energy efficiency for outstanding battery life.

The integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator provides compelling and realistic 3-D gaming experiences, 1080p HD video and crystal-clear graphics. Advanced camera features including face recognition, mobile HDR and panorama help users create like never before. Additionally, Clover Trail+ offers dual-core performance along with Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology, supporting four simultaneous application threads for smoother, seamless multitasking.
 
Long-Term Evolution (4G LTE)
Intel's strategy is to deliver leading low-power, global modem solutions that work across multiple bands, regions and devices.

Prakash Mallya, Country Manager Sales and Marketing for Intel Malaysia (middle left) and Vincent Chong, Director of IT & Mobile Communications, Samsung Malaysia Electronics Sdn Bhd (middle right), showing off the new Samsung GALAXY Tab 3 10.1 LTE.

Intel's XMM 7160 is one of the world's smallest and lowest-power multimode-multiband LTE solutions2. The modem supports 15 LTE bands simultaneously and also includes a highly configurable RF architecture, running real-time algorithms for envelope tracking and antenna tuning, that enables cost-efficient multiband configurations, extended battery life and global LTE roaming in a single SKU. It supports multiple devices including smartphones, tablets and Ultrabooks™.

Intel will begin shipments of multimode data 4G LTE in the coming weeks following final interoperability testing (IOT) with Tier 1 service providers in North America, Europe and Asia.

1 Software and workloads used in performance tests may have been optimized for performance only on Intel microprocessors. Performance tests, such as SYSmark and MobileMark, are measured using specific computer systems, components, software, operations and functions. Any change to any of those factors may cause the results to vary. You should consult other information and performance tests to assist you in fully evaluating your contemplated purchases, including the performance of that product when combined with other products. Configurations: Compared to the Intel Atom Processor Z2460 platform; Graphics clock will vary based on SKU: Z2580, Z2560, Z2520. For more information go to http://www.intel.com/performance.

2 Compared with competitive solutions shipping in market today.

ASUS Next-Generation PadFone Infinity (A80)

LTE smartphone with 5-inch Full HD display combines with a 10.1-inch tablet dock for seamless mobile flexibility

ASUS PadFone™ Infinity (A80) is a powerful LTE smartphone with a sleek metallic design and a 5-inch Full HD display that becomes a 10.1-inch tablet when docked to its companion PadFone™ Infinity Station. PadFone™ Infinity (A80) features Android 4.1 and groundbreaking mobile performance, thanks to its next-gen Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 600 processor with quad-core CPU and up to 19 hours of 3G talk time.

Premium design with premium performance
With a slender unibody design crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, ASUS PadFone™ Infinity (A80) is both beautiful and durable. The 5-inch screen features a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution with an extraordinary 441 pixels-per-inch for text so crisp it looks like a printed page, and wonderfully detailed high-resolution images. 64GB of storage complements the class-leading Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 600 1.7GHz processor with quad-core CPU for a smooth and responsive premium Android experience, while 100Mbit/s LTE and 42Mbit/s DC-HSPA+ ensure super-fast web browsing and downloads.

ASUS PadFone™ Infinity (A80) features a high-performance 13-megapixel camera with an f/2.0 five-element lens that captures incredibly detailed images, with no shutter lag. A dedicated image signal-processor enhances low-light image quality and enables PadFone™ Infinity (A80) to capture up to 100 sequential photos at eight frames-per-second, while simultaneously recording 1080p Full HD video. PadFone™ Infinity (A80) can also output 1080p Full HD video via its Micro-USB-compatible MyDP port.

Share apps and mobile data instantly
The unique two-in-one nature of ASUS PadFone™ removes the tedious need to synchronize data between smartphone and tablet. Data and settings on PadFone™ Infinity (A80) are available instantly on PadFone™ Infinity Station upon docking and running apps are smoothly reformatted to fit the larger display. Mobile data bills are also reduced, since a single data plan can be shared between both devices.

PadFone™ Infinity (A80) comes with new and exclusive ASUS apps, including SuperNote 3.1 for note taking, Story for creating stunning photo albums and ASUS Echo for voice control of PadFone™ Infinity.
PadFone™ Infinity (A80) has up to 19 hours of 3G talk time, which increases to up to 40 hours when docked into PadFone™ Infinity Station. PadFone™ Infinity Station also has sufficient battery capacity to fully recharge the docked PadFone™ Infinity (A80) up to three times.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING
 ASUS PadFone Infinity (A80) is available in Malaysia from today onwards.
 The combined price of PadFone Infinity (A80) [32GB] and PadFone Infinity Station is RM 2,699 (SRP).

Instant messaging driving smartphone uptake in Malaysia

• Recent ConsumerLab analysis indicates that Malaysia smartphone penetration has increased from 47% in 2012 to 63% in 2013 among daily Internet users. 

• Tablet penetration has increased from 14% in 2012 to 39% in 2013 

• Apps usage jumped from 54% in 2012 to 76% in 2013  

• Total global smartphone subscriptions hit the 1.2 billion mark in 2012, and are due to reach 4.5 billion by the end of 2018 

• 60 percent of the world's population due to be covered by LTE in 2018 

In a recently-concluded analysis by Ericsson ConsumerLab in Southeast Asia and Oceania, research data from 2013 shows that among daily internet users, Malaysia smartphone penetration has increased from 47% in 2012 to 63% in 2013 while tablet penetration has increased almost three-fold from 14% in 2012 to 39% in 2013.

A noticeable change is the jump in apps usage from 54% in 2012 to 76% in 2013 among Malaysian daily internet users.

Afrizal Abdul Rahim, Head of ConsumerLab South East Asia & Oceania.

“The key drivers to purchase a smartphone are to connect to the internet and to be in touch. People’s aspiration to upgrade their current phone and own a smartphone is another key driver,” said Afrizal Abdul Rahim, Head of ConsumerLab South East Asia & Oceania.

“Mobile data services continue to experience tremendous growth among smartphone users especially for instant messaging, social network and video streaming.”

Smartphone penetration increased by 16% from 2012 to 2013. “Malaysia started with 47% smartphone penetration in 2012 among daily Internet users. Even as ownership already registered a 16% increase to 63% for 2013, an additional 17% of the respondents surveyed indicated that they would buy a smartphone in the next six months.”

SMS and Internet usage have increased among smartphone users in Malaysia, particularly instant messaging usage which has increased significantly. 2012 was about social networks and 2013 is about personal networks (IM).

Word of mouth and curiosity to try out a new app are the main factors that drive a user to download apps. App users are also motivated by an app’s functionality as well as the ability to communicate.

Among daily internet users, tablet penetration on the other hand increased by 25% from 2012 to 2013. Similar to smartphone, Internet connectivity is an important driver for tablet purchase. The convenience of using a tablet over a computer and smartphone due its size are also key drivers for tablet purchase. From a usage perspective, tablets are nocturnal devices; they are mostly used at night at home. This is followed by the tablet being used as time fillers and as companions during holidays.

Todd Ashton, President of Ericsson Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

The findings on smartphone penetration for Malaysia are aligned with Ericsson’s global findings in its June 2013 Mobility Report.  “Based on the data that we gathered from the networks that we manage around the world, we now forecast an even stronger uptake of smartphones. Smartphone subscriptions in 2018 are now forecast to reach 4.5 billion compared to our previous (Nov 2012) forecast of 3.3 billion in 2018. This is not least due to a notable increase in the number of smartphone subscriptions in APAC and MEA regions, as subscribers switch their basic phone subscriptions into smartphone subscriptions,” said Todd Ashton, President of Ericsson Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Malaysians’ growing interest in apps, social media, video and instant messaging is also in line with the Mobility Report’s findings that mobile data traffic continued to double from last year.  “Video will be around 50% of mobile traffic in 2018, according to our estimates,” Todd said.

“Traffic in mobile networks continues to grow at an impressive rate worldwide. While voice remains a cornerstone of most operators' service offerings, it is data growth, driven by the uptake of smart devices and apps, which is having the most significant impact on networks globally.”

According to the Mobility Report, a smartphone user is expected to more than quadruple mobile monthly data consumption by 2018 compared to today, and will reach an average of 2GB data per user in 2018.  

“We expect that Malaysian mobile subscribers will indeed increase their mobile monthly data consumption, as its citizens are considered early adopters and innovators when it comes to technology,” Todd stated. “It’s already apparent in the data that we have gathered. Today, as we have seen, Malaysian app usage is ahead compared with its neighbors in Southeast Asia and even in Oceania.”

1, Including inactive smartphone subscriptions. Number of active subscriptions forecasted to 3.9 billion in 2018.

World’s first commercial LTE-Advanced call on 1800MHz and 900MHz

• Telstra and Ericsson make the world’s first call on combined 1800MHz and 900MHz spectrum bands on commercial network 
• 1800MHz and 900MHz spectrum bands are readily available to operators as they move subscribers from 2G to 3G and 4G technologies.
• Ericsson uses LTE-Advanced technology to help operators match their spectrum assets while enabling higher data speeds

Ericsson has announced that Australia’s leading telecommunications provider Telstra is the first to use the LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) Carrier Aggregation technology on 1800MHz and 900MHz spectrum bands on a commercial network. This took place on July 31, when Telstra transferred data across its live network on a number of sites in Queensland (Australia) carrying commercial traffic.

00000LTE Carrier Aggregation is the next step in the evolution of high-speed mobile broadband services, enabling operators to make the most of their existing spectrum assets by combining multiple spectrum bands to enable higher mobile broadband download speeds.

Mike Wright, Executive Director Networks, Telstra, says: “Telstra’s LTE subscriber numbers are growing dramatically, with nearly 3 million subscribers currently using the LTE network, up from 2.1 million six months ago. The capacity, higher data speeds and efficiencies provided by LTE-Advanced will help manage growth in data traffic as more customers choose our network. This will allow us to continue providing additional capacity and high-quality service, and we look forward to working with Ericsson to make this happen.”

“When we get access to 700MHz spectrum in 2015 we also intend to deploy the next-generation of LTE-Advanced by combining larger blocks of spectrum in the 700MHz and 1800MHz bands to deliver blistering peak speeds in the theoretical range of 300Mbps.”

Håkan Eriksson, Head of Ericsson Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, says: “Across the region and the globe, many operators have spectrum available in the 1800MHz and 900MHz bands as they migrate subscribers from 2G to 3G or 4G. Many operators will be watching the Australian deployment of LTE-Advanced on these spectrum bands.”

Ericsson is supporting the deployment of LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation on other spectrum bands in other countries such as South Korea. On July 18, for instance, Ericsson supported LG U+ in South Korea to commercially launch LTE-Advanced using both 2100MHz and 850MHz bands.

Ethertronics’ EtherBook 1.0™ Connects a New Line of Ultrabooks with Global 3G and 4G (LTE) Coverage

Company’s Active Antenna Systems Continue to Enable Industry Leading Performance in the Sleekest of Wireless Device Designs

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – July 29, 2013 – Ethertronics, a leading technology company enabling innovative antenna and RF Front End system solutions to deliver the best connected experience, today announced that its award-winning EtherBook 1.0™ has been integrated into a new line of ultrabooks, enabling global 3G and 4G (LTE) coverage. Available from a tier one global notebook manufacturer, the new line of ultrabooks utilizes Ethertronics’ EtherBook 1.0, which is the most compact active antenna system that can be integrated inside ultra slim LTE enabled notebooks to support frequencies ranging from 700 to 2700MHz for global operation with a single SKU, without any performance degradation

EtherBook 1.0 leverages Ethertronics’ patented active band switching techniques, which meet LTE’s multiple band coverage challenges from the low 700MHz to 2.7GHz without compromising performance for the user. This is also critical for operators needing to aggregate the spectrum across multiple bands or make the most use of their spectrum holdings to increase the data rate to provide an enhanced user experience. Additionally, band switching techniques allow the smallest physical volume antenna systems to fit in the thinnest consumer devices. Given the limited space available in the display bezel, traditional passive antennas can’t support multiple bands with the required efficiency and suffer from roll off at the band edges leading to compromised performance.

In the case of the new ultrabooks, which feature the ability to easily transition between a tablet and laptop form factor, EtherBook 1.0’s compact size – at just 87mm x 10mm x 1.75mm – enabled the active antenna system to be integrated into the ultrabook’s sleek, ultra-thin display.

“One of the biggest challenges that OEMs and Operators face with 3G/4G devices are their ability to operate across the wide range of spectrum holdings from 700 to 2700MHz as well as a single SKU for global coverage while also delivering the highest performance, coverage, and efficiency levels in the sleekest of designs,” said John Chu, General Manager Taiwan at Ethertronics. “The integration of our EtherBook 1.0 into this new line of ultrabooks is a testament to the active antenna system’s ability to meet these challenges by providing a compact Antenna Front End solution that doesn’t compromise performance or efficiency.”

More information on EtherBook 1.0 can be found at http://www.ethertronics.com/products/active/.

DiGi 4G LTE is now available at selected locations in Klang Valley

Open to broadband and tablet plan subscribers as first stage of implementation

SHAH ALAM, 5 July 2013 – DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (“DiGi”) has taken the next step in delivering Internet For All by introducing DiGi 4G LTE today. Covering selected high traffic locations in the Klang Valley, DiGi 4G LTE is now available to all new and existing customers who subscribe to specific DiGi Broadband and Tablet Plans.

This latest development is a singular milestone in DiGi’s journey to deliver Internet For All that started three years ago when it first introduced 3G services. Since then, the 3G population coverage for DiGi has reached 68% with 6.1 million mobile Internet and mobile broadband customers, as of Q1 2013, and it is expected to reach 75% by year end. The network modernisation exercise, which involves swapping over 5,500 sites to enable significant quality and capacity improvements, is expected to be completed by end of Q3, as planned.

L-R Praveen Rajan, Head of Products – Internet & Services of DiGi Telecommunication Sdn Bhd and Albern Murty, Chief Marketing Officer of DiGi Telecommunication Sdn Bhd.

On the strategy behind DiGi 4G LTE, Albern Murty, Chief Marketing Officer of DiGi explained: “We are on track to achieve our ambition to deliver Internet For All Malaysians. We have huge ambitions on how we will address this significant opportunity that 4G LTE has to offer. It will be a key driver in growing our data business.

“As part of the Telenor Group, DiGi has an added advantage in the market as we can leverage on the Group’s global experience in mature markets on the deployment of 4G LTE. Telenor has a proven track record in deploying 4G LTE with six markets, including DiGi, already operating on the next generation network.

“To us, creating the right experience for our customers is critical, and to accomplish this, we are enabling 4G LTE services in stages. This friendly approach is similar to when we first introduced 3G services more than three years ago at limited locations before expanding to more market centres.

“As such, in the first stage of implementation, we are rolling out 4G LTE services with a controlled footprint in the Klang Valley at selected high traffic areas, which are known as DiGi 4G LTE Zones. Customers can stream HD videos without buffering; share more in less time via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram; and listen to uninterrupted music streaming.”

For now, DiGi will offer service plans on tablets and broadband. New and existing customers who subscribe to DiGi Broadband and Tablet Plans with 6GB Internet quota and above will be upgraded automatically to 4G LTE service as long as they change their SIM cards to DiGinet+ SIMs at selected DiGi Stores. Customers with broadband plans below 6GB Internet quota can choose to enjoy the fourth generation service on demand when they are in the DiGi 4G LTE Zones. They can activate the service by visiting DiGi MyInternet (www.myinternet.com.my) and choose from two hassle-free, bite-size plans from as low as RM30 per month.

The DiGi 4G LTE zones in the Klang Valley are Plaza Low Yat, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Kota Damansara, Subang Indah Villa, Sunway Mentari, Bukit Bintang, KDU neighbourhood and Cheras Pandan Indah.

Plans are underway to increase the 4G LTE coverage in these zones, and subsequently, to other market centres in Malaysia. In the next implementation stage, DiGi will be offering 4G LTE on small screens with a suite of LTE-ready devices.

For more details on DiGi 4G LTE zones and service plans, please visit: www.digi.com.my/4GLTE

SingTel first to provide roaming customers with Auto Network Selection

• Network selection feature automatically connects roamers’ mobile devices to preferred partner networks
• Protects customers from accidental connection to providers outside partner networks
• Feature supports LTE roaming as well as 2G and 3G roaming

SingTel is the first mobile operator worldwide to provide customers with a network selection feature that automatically connects customers’ mobile devices to preferred partner networks when roaming. The service comes with SingTel’s DataRoam Saver plans and is based on Ericsson’s (NASDAQ: ERIC) Service-Aware Charging and Control solution. It ensures that data is only consumed when devices are connected to SingTel’s partner networks.

Johan Buse, Vice President of Consumer Marketing at SingTel, says: "The auto-network selection feature provides our customers with a worry-free roaming experience by eliminating bill shock. With our DataRoam Saver and EasyDataRoam service, travellers have total control of their roaming expenses and can enjoy tremendous cost savings in 44 countries worldwide. Activation of these services is also quick and simple with the use of our MySingTel app."

Nicholas Seow, President for Singapore and Brunei at Ericsson, says “We are delighted to partner with SingTel, the first operator globally to offer auto network selection for their customers. Ericsson’s Service-Aware Charging and Control solution provides the foundation for the delivery of high-quality, easy-to-use services, and makes it easy and convenient for subscribers to activate new services and control their spending. The feature also enables operators to ensure they are delivered with the expected quality-of-service which leads to greater user satisfaction.

The feature supports LTE roaming as well as 2G and 3G roaming.

‘ERICSSON TV LIVE’ EXPLORES EVOLVING MEDIA LANDSCAPE AT BROADCAST ASIA

• Unique presentations, demonstrations and hospitality area highlight industry’s most complete portfolio of award-winning broadcast and video solutions
• Responds to evolving APAC market and consumer demands for next-generation multi-screen TV experiences
• Asia Pacific debut of a number of new Ericsson video solutions

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) will welcome guests to its ‘Ericsson TV LIVE’ event at Broadcast Asia 2013, Asia’s largest integrated show for the pro-audio, film and TV industries (Room 5M8-01/02). As well as the opportunity to view demonstrations of a number of next-generation solutions that will be on show in the Asia Pacific region for the first time, visitors will be able to hear from a number of Ericsson TV experts as they take to the stage to discuss the changing media landscape and the challenges and requirements faced in meeting evolving consumer demand.

According to a March 2013 study by Digital TV Research, pay-TV revenues in Asia Pacific will be $12 billion higher in 2018 ($43.9 billion total) than in 2012. In fact, the report estimates that pay TV revenues (through subscriptions and on-demand) will grow by $2.1 billion in 2013 alone to $33.9 billion. With rapid digital conversion and a continually growing number of video-enabled mobile devices comes increased consumer demand for next-generation services, and new players competing with traditional broadcasters for viewers and subscribers. Demonstrations and presentations at Ericsson TV LIVE at Broadcast Asia will show how Ericsson is responding to these major trends, enabling operators to effectively manage, deliver and monetize the next generation of TV Anywhere services.

“The TV and media industry in the Asia Pacific region continues to boom, but we are at an important stage in the market’s growth, with digital penetration and pay-TV revenues rapidly rising, as well as the requirement to meet the challenges of today’s connected consumer,” said Ward Hansford, Head of APAC region, TV Compression Business, Ericsson. “Ericsson TV LIVE at Broadcast Asia provides the perfect opportunity for our TV experts to meet with broadcasters and operators and explore how we can help enable them to become more profitable, productive and ultimately, successful in their business.”

Ericsson TV LIVE offers a number of opportunities to meet the company’s TV experts, via a combination of one-to-one conversations, live demonstrations of Ericsson’s portfolio of solutions, as well as presentations and seminars on the central stage.

Visitors will be able to meet key members of the senior Ericsson team and experience the company’s latest cutting-edge TV solutions designed to enable efficient video-centric networks and drive service evolution of TV in a multi-screen world. Highlights of the Ericsson TV LIVE area will include the Asia Pacific debut of:

• The AVP 4000, a high performance compression platform which raises the bar for efficiency and flexibility in the delivery of TV services over all networks. Powered by Ericsson’s first-ever in-house developed programmable video processing chip, it is a unique single platform addressing multiple applications, regardless of codec, resolution or network.
• LTE Broadcast – Ericsson’s unique end-to-end broadcast solution for video delivery over LTE networks. Ericsson’s LTE Broadcast solution will transform the costs and efficiency of delivering high quality TV and video experiences over mobile networks, to all devices. It comprises three technology standards:
o HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) – the new video compression standard promises to half the bandwidth required to transport video content compared to today’s leading implementation
o MPEG DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH)) – simplifies and standardizes the delivery of video to all consumer devices, ensuring a better quality of service, greater efficiency and opening opportunities for monetization
o eMBMS (Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service)– is a 3GPP standard, it enables mobile networks to offer broadcast/multicast services dynamically to offload issues of popular content in dense consumption scenarios, reducing the cost of service delivery over the radio network and for backhaul.
• Operator CDN, the Ericsson Media Delivery Network, which is uniquely designed to unite the delivery of managed and unmanaged content over fixed and mobile networks.

There will also be live demonstrations of MPEG-DASH adaptive streaming and Ultra High Definition TV (UHDTV). Additional demonstrations include state-of-the-art multi-screen user interfaces for TV Anywhere experiences, enabling operators to meet consumer need by delivering rich, blended services on all screens, as well as the third generation of Ericsson’s market-leading Content Management System. The system now offers live TV Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) management, as well as time-shifted TV and distribution management and a focus on advanced metadata management.

Attendees will also be able to discuss the Ericsson Certification for TV Professionals, Ericsson’s own program that has been designed to enable TV professionals to have the knowledge and requisite skillsets to adjust to the rapid development in broadcast solutions and technologies.

In addition to on-stage presentations during Ericsson TV LIVE, attendees to Broadcast Asia and CommunicAsia 2013 can also hear from Ericsson speakers during the main conference programs:

Broadcast Asia 2013
Jon Sonsteby, Senior Director, Business Sales and Development, TV Software, Ericsson
June 18, 12.00pm – 12.30pm
‘Monetising OTT: Content Owners Competing in A New Game’
Track: Embracing OTT Opportunities in Asia

Jon Sonsteby, Senior Director, Business Sales and Development, TV Software, Ericsson
June 18, 4.30pm – 5.10pm
Panel: ‘Monetising OTT – What Business Models are Working and Why?’
Track: Embracing OTT Opportunities in Asia

Tony Moran, Head of TV for Australia, New Zealand & South East Asia, Ericsson
June 19, 3.00pm – 3.30pm
‘Beyond Architectures, building DTT industries’
Track: DVB-T2: Opening up your business for multiplexing broadcasting

Eugene Sarmiento, Head of TV Sales, APAC, Ericsson
June 19, 4.40pm – 5.20pm
‘How Can Connected TV Bring New Money to the TV Industry?’
Track: OTT The New Content Experience

Fabio Murra, Head of TV Portfolio Marketing, Compression, Ericsson
June 20, 11.50am – 12.20pm
‘Multi-screen ecosystems to enable the monetization of TV services’
Track: Multi-platform content – Moving towards effective monetization

CommunicAsia 2013
Lisa Skelton, Head of Marketing, Video and Data Traffic Optimization, Ericsson
June 18, 12.30pm – 1.00pm
‘Increasing Your Revenue Stream Via The Growth in Video Traffic’
Track: CDN Summit

Ericsson Mobility Report: LTE and smartphone uptake drives video traffic growth

• Video traffic growing by 60 percent annually, driven by better network speeds
• Total global smartphone subscriptions hit the 1.2 billion mark in 2012, and are due to reach 4.5 billion by the end of 2018 
• 60 percent of the world's population due to be covered by LTE in 2018
• Smartphone users spend most time on social networks: an average of 85 minutes a day in some networks 
• Data traffic volumes doubled between Q1 2012 and Q1 2013, and are expected to grow 12-fold by 2018

The new edition of the Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) Mobility Report reveals that mobile-data traffic will continue to grow significantly in the coming years, a trend driven mainly by video. Overall data traffic is expected to grow 12-fold by the end of 2018. Increasing usage is driven by continual growth in the amount of content available as well as the improved network speeds that come with HSPA and LTE development.

Douglas Gilstrap, Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy at Ericsson, says: "LTE services will be available to about 60 percent of the world's population in 2018. We expect LTE subscriptions to exceed 1 billion in 2017, driven by more capable devices and demand for data-intensive services such as video. Owing to the build out of WCDMA/HSPA, network speeds have improved, and so has the user experience."

Video makes up the largest segment of data traffic in networks, and it is expected to grow around 60 percent annually up until the end of 2018. Video consumption is on average 2.6GB per subscription per month in some networks.

While video is popular, users don't necessarily tend to spend the most time on data-heavy applications. Consumers spend more time on social networking: an average of up to 85 minutes per day in some networks.

Smartphones accounted for around half of all mobile-phone sales in Q1 2013, compared with roughly 40 percent for the whole of 2012. The number of total mobile subscriptions grew by 8 percent globally year-on-year by Q1 2013. Of those, WCDMA/HSPA added around 60 million subscriptions, GSM/EDGE-only subscriptions grew by roughly 30 million, and LTE added around 20 million new subscriptions. Mobile-broadband subscriptions grew even faster over this period (at a rate of 45 percent year-on-year), reaching around 1.7 billion.

The Mobility Report also addresses the concept of "app coverage" - broadening the definition of coverage from voice to include how well users are able to access their mobile apps - and presents a new framework explaining the effects of varying network performance in a way that is relevant to the user.

In this edition of the report, the relationship between network performance and consumer loyalty is also studied. Network performance is the principal driver of subscriber loyalty to mobile operators, followed by value for money. Other sections of the report explain the effects of smartphone signaling on data traffic, and look at data roaming, identifying opportunities for operators to generate new revenue streams.

MAXIS OFFERS LATEST 4G LTE-ENABLED SAMSUNG GALAXY S4, EXPANDS 4G LTE NETWORK BEYOND KLANG VALLEY

• With the Samsung Galaxy S4, Maxis now offers a suite of 4G LTE-enabled devices
• Maxis doubles its 4G LTE network in the Klang Valley and now expands to Penang and Johor Bahru 
• Maxis is the first to provide 4G LTE in East Malaysia, starting with Kuching and Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur, 5 June 2013. After being the first Malaysian telco to launch 4G LTE services in Malaysia, Maxis Berhad (Maxis), Malaysia’s only integrated communications service provider now offers a suite of 4G LTE-enabled devices which come bundled with attractive data and call plans with the launch of the 4G LTE-enabled  Samsung Galaxy S4 today. The Samsung Galaxy S4 joins Apple’s iPhone 5, iPad mini and iPad 4; Blackberry Q10, HTC One,  Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC One XL in Maxis’ suite of 4G LTE-enabled devices. The 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy S4 is now available for purchase at all Maxis Centres and participating Maxis Exclusive Partner stores nationwide as well as the Maxis Online Store. Stocks are limited and will be on a first come, first served basis.

“We are proud to announce that Maxis will once again be the first in Malaysia to introduce the fourth generation 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy S4 to our customers. We know that customers have been eagerly anticipating the debut of the 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy S4 which we believe will further enrich our customers’ experience using the superior services on Maxis’ high speed 4G LTE network.  At Maxis, we have been consistent in bringing the latest devices to our customers first. Furthermore, the Maxis One Club (MOC) limited time special offer on this LTE-enabled version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 means that we continue to reward our loyal customers,” said Suren J Amarasekera, Maxis’ Joint Chief Operating Officer.

Maxis customers will be able to maximise the many features offered by the 4G LTE-enabled devices and enjoy an enhanced mobile experience with download speeds five to ten times faster than 3G when they are within high speed 4G LTE network coverage areas.

Commenting on Maxis’ 4G LTE network, Nasution Mohamed, Maxis’ Joint Chief Operating Officer said, “We currently have over 130,000 customers enjoying our 4G LTE service since our launch on 1 January of this year. We have now doubled our 4G LTE coverage in the Klang Valley to include areas such as Bukit Damansara, Kepong, Sungai Besi, Sentul and Subang Jaya, as well as expanded our 4G LTE footprint to cover areas in Penang and Johor Bahru. We are also proud to be the first to offer 4G LTE in East Malaysia, starting with Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.”

For the full list of Maxis’ 4G LTE coverage areas, data plans and devices, please visit www.maxis.com.my/4GLTE.

Maxis’ 4G LTE service has now been expanded to the following areas:

Klang Valley	·       Ampang Hilir, Kelab Darul Ehsan ·       Bukit Rahman Putra ·       Golden Triangle, Bukit Bintang, Pudu, Kampung Baharu, KLCC, Taman U Thant ·       Jalan Barat, Bukit Jalil, Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Club ·       Kampung Sri Puchong, Puchong Perdana, Taman Puchong Prima, Mawar, Taman Puchong Perdana, Puchong Utama, Taman Perindustrian Pusat Bandar Puchong, Section 2 Taman Perindustrian Puchong Utama, Kampung Baru Puchong, Taman Saujana Puchong ·       Mahameru, PWTC, Putra Bus Station, Sentul Selatan, Police Station Sentul, Sentul, Semarak, Datok Keramat, Kampung Baharu, Hospital Kuala Lumpur ·       Overseas Union Garden, Taman Yarl, Taman Sri Petaling, Taman Goodwood, Taman Pagar Ruyung, Kuchai Entrepreneur Park, Taman Salak Selatan, Taman Gembira, Taman United, Taman Serangkai, Taman Bukit Indah ·       PJS2, PJS3, PJS5, PJS6, PJS7 Petaling Jaya, Taman Desa Mentari, Taman Desaria, Taman Medan Baru ·       PJS2, PJS3, PJS5, PJS6, PJS7 Petaling Jaya, Taman Desa Mentari, Taman Desaria, Taman Medan Baru ·       Pusat Bandar Damansara, Taman SA, Jalan Semantan, SPRINT Highway, Taman Duta, Bukit Damansara, Damansara Heights ·       Section 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Kota Damansara, Taman Sains Selangor, PJU5, Dataran Sunway, Section 12 Sunway Damansara ·       SS14, SS15, SS16, SS17, SS18 Subang Jaya ·       Sungai Besi, Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Taman Ikan Emas, Salak Selatan, Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Bandar Tun Razak ·       Taman Kepong, Bandar Manjalara, Kepong Baru Tambahan, Taman Sri Bintang, Taman Segambut, Taman Sri Sinar, Taman Petaling, Taman Sri Segambut ·       Taman Selayang Baru, Taman Sri Murni, Jalan Batu Cave, Taman Beringin 2, Taman Wahyu, Jinjang Utara, Taman Mutiara, Taman Sri Delima, Taman Bamboo, Selayang Pandang ·       Taman Sg Besi, Kampung Baru Salak Selatan, Taman Sri Budiman, Taman Salak Selatan, Taman Connaught, Taman Mutiara Timur, Cheras ·       Taman Sungai Besi, Taman Mulia, Kampung Baru Salak Selatan, Bukit Sri Petaling, Taman Sri Budiman, Taman Connaught,Taman Mutiara Timur Cheras ·       Universiti Malaya, Taman Bukit Pantai, Section 11, 12, 16 Petaling Jaya, Kampung Kerinchi ·       USJ6
Penang	·       Maxis Centre, Jalan Todak 4, Bandar Sunway ·       Maxis I-Centre, Northam Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Gurney Plaza Auto-City, Bukit Tengah ·       Politeknik Seberang Prai, Taman Pauh,  Taman Pauh Jaya, Taman Nagasari, Jalan Baru ·       Pulau Tikus, Jalan Burma, Jalan Cantonment,  Jalan Kelawei, Jalan Birch ·       Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Jalan Permatang Pauh, Kampung Pertama
Johor Bahru	Taman Nesa, Kg Poh Che Leng, Jalan Shahbandar 8, Danga Bay Commercial area, Maxis I-Centre, Taman Tasek, Jalan Kolam, Jalan Strait View, Maxis Taman Molek, Taman Molek, Taman Saujana, Desa Perwira
Kota Kinabalu	One Borneo, Bangunan KPD,  Jalan Kilang, Balai Polis Likas, Lorong P. Haba, Liwen Court, Jalan Maktab Gaya, Mahkamah Negeri, Jabatan Kastam, Wisma Sabah
Kuching	Jalan Patingan, SK Encik Buyong, SK Merpati, Jalan Simpor, Borneo Hotel, Salvation Army, Mirama Cinema, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Manggis, Dewan Masonic, SM Chung Hua No.3, Dewan Masyarakat, Jalan Stampin, Jalan Kedandi, SM Patrick