Maxis Berhad (Maxis) announced the launch of its 4G LTE services a couple minutes ago while Malaysians celebrate the 2013 New Year.
In a media statement, Maxis said it delivered on the first “true” 4G Network in Malaysia and it 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 following its midnight launch on 1 January 2013.
Customers will enjoy speeds of up to 75Mbps, with typical average speeds of 10 to 30Mbps on the Maxis 4G LTE network. Maxis also said that the 4G LTE service will be available in other areas very soon.
Customers in the 4G LTE coverage areas who want to be among the first to experience 4G LTE service can now 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 starting from RM88.
Maxis was one of the first telco in Malaysia to complete extensive 4G LTE field trials. The mobile operator said it has been trialling 4G LTE for 2 years and conducting extensive 4G LTE interworking tests in a live network environment using commercial devices, gaining enormous learning in the design, planning and optimisation of its 4G LTE network.
The Maxis 4G LTE networks runs on the 2.6Ghz spectrum. Currently there are very limited smartphones in the market that supports the version of Maxis 4G LTE. The Nokia Lumia 920 is one of those smartphones, however the LTE service on the phone is not activated by default. Nokia will have to release a firmware update for the Lumia 920 to turn on LTE support. MalaysianWireless will reach out to Nokia Malaysia for an answer.
The current version of Maxis 4G LTE however will not be compatible on the Apple iPhone 5, the iPad with Retina Display or the iPad Mini.
Said Maxis’ Chief Executive Officer, Sandip Das, “This represents a crucial milestone in Maxis’ integrated journey. 4G LTE operates at download speeds 5-10 times faster than 3G and will enable and sustain a seamless experience of rich content across both our high-speed fixed and wireless network platform in the country. With Maxis 4G LTE, customers will experience a richer internet experience with greater download speeds, smoother HD video streams, lag-free gaming with better online satisfaction. Specifically for homes and businesses, Maxis 4G LTE will make possible super fast Internet access outside fibre broadband coverage. However, it is not just about speeds. Maxis, with our robust partnerships with leading device manufacturers and content players, is well placed to provide customers the true benefits of 4G LTE capabilities.”
“As a company of many firsts, we will be bringing our customers the latest and most innovative 4G LTE services. Already, we have a rich ecosystem of beyond telecom services, from payment gateways, billing systems, to entertainment and education which will grow to leverage on 4G LTE technology, responding to the need for massive amounts of information to move across space in little to no time, creating new types of collaborations and customer value.” he added.
