P1(Packet One) has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with mobile chipset maker Qualcomm to collaborate on the deployment of Long Term Evolution Time Division Duplex (LTE TDD) technology in Malaysia.
(From left to right:Mantosh Malhotra, Regional Head – Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines for Qualcomm Inc, YBhg Tan Sri Tan Sri Khalid Bin Ramli, Chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Malaysia, YBhg Datin Seri Masnah Rais, YB Dato’ Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim, Minister of Information, Communications and Culture Malaysia, Michael Lai, CEO of P1, Mohd Idham Nawawi, COO of P1 )
Both parties agree to exchange non-proprietary information about LTE TDD technology pertaining to infrastructure suppliers, device manufacturers, network optimization tools and applications.
P1 is also expected to announce a similar collaboration with China Mobile next week.
Official press release below.
SINGAPORE – Tuesday, 21 JUNE 2011 – Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies, products and services, and Malaysia’s first and best value 4G telco Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (“P1”), today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the deployment of Long Term Evolution Time Division Duplex (LTE TDD) technology in Malaysia.
The MOU reflects the parties’ recent discussions on various project opportunities for P1 to plan and/or implement a wireless 4G telecommunications technology upgrade path to LTE TDD. Both parties agree to exchange non-proprietary information about LTE TDD technology pertaining to infrastructure suppliers, device manufacturers, network optimization tools and applications.
“P1 is one of the world’s first and leading 2.3 GHz band 4G WiMAX deployments since 2008. P1’s experience in the last three years of 4G deployment is a valuable asset to the 4G technology evolution roadmap and eco-system development of LTE TDD. P1 is delighted to explore new frontiers with Qualcomm on LTE TDD technology. Thanks to the government’s foresight, Malaysia is currently one of the world’s leading 4G countries. We will continue to blaze ahead in ensuring interoperability of various 4G wireless technologies,” said Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer of P1. Lai added that P1 will continue to leverage on the strength of its existing WiMAX network in parallel with the LTE deployment plan.
To date, 18 multimode LTE networks have been launched around the world, with commitments to launch by a further 196 operators. This is in addition to the 1.2 billion subscribers who are already utilizing 3G devices and services1.
“Qualcomm is pleased to be in discussions with P1 to explore the deployment of a LTE TDD network in Malaysia, and is testament to P1’s foresight, responsibility and commitment in providing the best value wireless rich media broadband to its customers,” said Mantosh Malhotra, Regional Head – Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines for Qualcomm Inc. “LTE’s expanding ecosystem and economies of scale will benefit P1 and Malaysians both commercially and technologically.”
The announcement and MOU exchange ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Information, Communications and Culture Malaysia; The Honorable Dato’ Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim during CommunicAsia 2011 in Singapore.
