It's all about my travel experience and things I love to do…
WiMAX
Rolling out 4G / WiMAX in Malaysia (8)
Jul 24th
After one year of waiting, finally we can see the realization of WiMAX coming near the reach of our hands. It has been definitely a long wait. So hence, the eight series of the follow up ever since the WiMAX license has been awarded.
I bought The Edge for this week and I read an interesting article by Michael Lai who is the CEO of Packet One International.
Shall I quote this word of Michael Lai in that article;
WiMAX is set to be the leader for extending broadband to underserved areas and driving the mobile Internet.
and also and ending note by him
The future is closer than you imagine. The question is, are we ready to embrace it?
Albert Einstein once said, “You cannot solve a problem with the same thinking that caused the problem.” Similarly, the telecoms industry needs to rethink and reinvent itself.
Read more:CEO’s Laptop: Broadband Convergence
It is indeed a great article on how the broadband will change the whole TIME (Telco, Internet, Media, Entertainment) industry sector in Malaysia as a whole and how WiMAX can contribute to that change.
On a side note, I would say Packet One has done a great move by really investing in the future. I’ve not heard about others yet. The most I’ve heard also was a recent news about Asiaspace, one of the four companies awarded the license to operate WiMAX here in Malaysia, which is indeed good news. I want to see more players start offering WiMAX and come on, we all want better broadband right?
With Huawei as its technology partner, Asiaspace aims to become a leading WiMAX player in Malaysia within five years.
“We plan to spend about RM500 million over the next three to five years to roll out our wireless broadband service. We hope to become Malaysia’s top WiMAX player by 2012 in terms of revenue and number of subscribers,” Abdul Ghani said.
Huawei has more than 1,500 engineers engaged in WiMAX research and development and has more than 200 engineers dedicated to the Malaysian market.
Asiaspace expects to roll out its service in the third quarter of the year, covering 25% of the population in Peninsular Malaysia by year-end, and increasing this to 30% in 2009 before hitting 40% in 2010.
Asiaspace awards WiMAX contract to Huawei
Malaysian in general need a better coverage of broadband. Streamyx has done great, but what we are talking now is mobility. People are on the move, constantly! They demand for more access to the internet and soon, everyone will be working while walking. (hey, it rhymes!)
It is kinda true, as I would like to see broadband to be everywhere and I would also now laud the move of Sunway and Packet One for doing such a noble thing for the people who are living in Bandar Sunway a better and complete broadband coverage. I personally would really like that kind of internet coverage as I work mobile and I am such a person who are constantly on the net. You know, Facebook, blog, read news, YouTube, and many more.. 
This was the scoop I picked up by reading The Edge last week:
PETALING JAYA: Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd (P1) is deploying its WiMAX facilities to offer complete broadband coverage of Bandar Sunway, Malaysia’s first “integrated wireless community”.
P1 chief executive Michael Lai said the company would only start the project in Bandar Sunway after it launches its WiMAX services in the next two months.
“WiMAX services would be deployed to cover more areas in Bandar Sunway and it will be done by year-end,” Lai said after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sunway Group yesterday.
He said P1 was still calculating the cost of setting up the WiMAX services in the 320-hectare township.
Read more: P1’s WiMAX to complete Bandar Sunway’s broadband coverage [UPDATED]
So, we are now for sure going to have WiMAX within our reach this year itself. The thing I’m seriously looking forward to is not much on speed but, the ability of me moving around within the same area getting connected.
This, I shall quote from this website:
The biggest difference isn’t speed; it’s distance. WiMAX outdistances WiFi by miles. WiFi’s range is about 100 feet (30 m). WiMAX will blanket a radius of 30 miles (50 km) with wireless access. The increased range is due to the frequencies used and the power of the transmitter. Of course, at that distance, terrain, weather and large buildings will act to reduce the maximum range in some circumstances, but the potential is there to cover huge tracts of land.
IEEE 802.16 Specifications
* Range – 30-mile (50-km) radius from base station
* Speed – 70 megabits per second
* Line-of-sight not needed between user and base station
* Frequency bands – 2 to 11 GHz and 10 to 66 GHz (licensed and unlicensed bands)
* Defines both the MAC and PHY layers and allows multiple PHY-layer specifications (See How OSI Works)
It is like they are planting a big huge wireless transmitter at the top of KLCC Twin Tower and even people from Klang also can receive a small percentage of its data packet! HOW GREAT! -_-
I’m counting my days till WiMAX arrive…
Broadband Costing Arms and Legs
Jul 18th
Read all my other series of WiMAX post…
From my previous post, Izzat gave a very good thinking comment.
“broadband quality in malaysia won’t change or will never improve if TM NET still conquer all the lines and everything. Examples, put bandwidth limit for those wireless broadband users, celcom, maxis, u mobile, izzi bb etc. And there’s no such a thing for Streamyx subscribers, wtfun! then, for those who one unlimited download bandwitdh, they need or only have 1 choice of service, subscribe for Streamyx.
Ok, we have some others alternative choice like Time Broadband, Maxis Broadband, Jaring Broadband and so on,but they all damn expensive service though their quality of service far better than streamyx. As a result of this, TM NET can increase the rate as they want as long it will not reach their competitors rate, BUT their service is suck!
just dreaming that, later there will one company who’ll build their own network and lines and don’t have to share with TM Net. At that time, its the time for TM NET to be challenged.“
Now, I would not comment on how bad Streamyx’s service and internet speed has been. It is all understandable and I bet given more than 5 out of 10 people would have the same say about them.
I have been speculating on the price as well, on how much would WiMAX be offered to the public and would the average joe public would be able to afford the price or even willing to pay the price for “better” broadband service?
When I said, better meaning that the service is worth every single cent that we paid for the service provided. Having said that, a promise of “X” amount of download or upload speed at least 10 or 20 percent slower is acceptable. Not promising a 100Mbps while fulfilling only like 20% of it, for example.
That’s pretty much a very sad scenario here in Malaysia. I don’t know how other countries’ broadband works, and how much they are paying for it. From what I get from my friend, they pay a certain amount for a certain amount of bandwidth. Fair and Square? Maybe…
Over here, you want a far more superior broadband? Opt for the exclusive ones. Time, Maxis or Jaring corporate or one of their higher range of packages. It will certainly cost you and arm or a leg, maybe both.
I have once said these on the pricing in my 4th Series on WiMAX..
“As the players promises affordable broadband, I can strongly say, “don’t worry about the price”. You are gonna pay for great service and coverage…”
That was then, I was following and researching about who was the up and coming provider for this latest broadband service. I hope what was said previously will be kept and at least, HELP US MALAYSIANS to enjoy something better from what we have been enjoying now.
I’m sure, if it is said that WiMAX can fulfill something like 50 – 70 Mbps and it is on constant basis, then I would be more than willing to pay for their service. Come on, how much more can you ask for? They are on wireless, I’m a working person who is on the move constantly and I need that kind of service to back me with my work.
I’m thinking that WiMAX service are going to be offered something like in a package of around RM 80?
Are you willing to pay that kind of price for a broadband better than 3G?
I certainly will…
Oh.. Broadband
Jul 16th
I have been talking about WiMAX! WiMAX! WiMAX!
This would be my 6th series on WiMAX…
When are we, Malaysians will only enjoy great internet broadband?
Don’t keep us all waiting now… Someone should come up with a better internet broadband already!!
Already we have all the broadband and I personally think that our internet, compared to the ones of our neighbours (no need to name who) are far superior than ours!
It is like David and Goliath and we are the Goliath. Such a great country we have here and with such great resources, we are so lacking of great internet broadband?
Oh come on…
You see, I’ve been waiting for the day some company would come out and say…
“Ah hah! I have the better solution to all of you broadband leeches! Introducing, the true broadband WiMAX!”
Okay… I don’t think we general public has the chance to enjoy T1 yet, but well the best we can ask for now is WiMAX! Tell me if I am wrong.
I have been talking about WiMAX for quite some time now. Read all about it here.
This is something that everyone should be looking forward to. But until today, not many company has given their say that they are going to offer WiMAX like all out. No! Satu pun tiada! Companies like Asiaspace Dotcom, Bizsurf, Packet One Networks and Redtone-CNX Broadband has said to have been licensed to roll out WiMAX, no news!!
Is MCMC keeping something up their sleeves or still negotiating who within the industry is taking what cut or what not? Remember I said once that I was given the task to try out WiMAX? Now, they cut me off already because the technology department person said that my housing area is not suitable for WiMAX trial. Oh well, here it goes. They all (broadband providers) tend to offer something that doesn’t cover every area. For example like if I bring XXX brand of wireless broadband to Klang, definitely won’t work. So, the “potong” right?
Offer some good deal, but my area in Klang don’t work but in Sunway work. Malaysian style…
WiMAX has such true potential in providing seamless data transfer and it is far more superior than our current no words can describe better than lousy broadband services provided by you know who. 
Oh come on now you broadband providers… give us the REAL DEAL!!!
Work and WiMAX
Jun 26th
What’s going on today eh??
For not eating dinner, I got kinda like stomach ache.. maybe it should be called gastric..
Went home yesterday and I slept straight away, never bother to stop for dinner on my way back…
Don’t ask me why, it just happened.. haha
This morning, I woke up all hungry, called the office saying I’m gonna have my breakfast first before going in, but then I was told I have a product presentation to attend at JW Marriot hotel.
Gah! Went there, and voila, got breakfast! Woohoo!!! Roti Jala.. Steam Bun.. Coffee!! Yummm…
The product presentation by Royal Brunei Airline (RBA) was good. Get to meet many new people in the industry and also the peeps from RBA. Not only RBA was there but the Brunei Tourism Board was here also to promote what is there to do in Brunei. Indeed, I suppose many of us overlook the excitement of Brunei as a tourism destination when it comes to traveling around South East Asia.
The presentation ended with a lunch reception served by JW Marriot Hotel.
Oh, I received a call from Packet One. The subsidiary of Green Packet that holds the license to offer WiMAX here in Kuala Lumpur. They are the ones who also offers free wireless in KL City. Yes! FREE!
Check it out at WirelessKL. They are working with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to make Kuala Lumpur a wireless city and that’s a very good move by both parties to make it FREE too!!
Oh.. the call?
I’ve been giving them feedback about their service and they are good enough to call me to check on any additional comments I can give to help them improve their service and I did give very good comments because they have a hotspot in both SS15 Asia Cafe and McDonalds Sunway Mentari. I used both location and I faced no problem with connectivity. Sometimes, lines could be slow, but well, I get good connection without any disruption.
I hope this kind of personal service doesn’t die off in future when their user base increased. Personally, I’ve been following the WiMAX movement for sometime till about March 2007 and I kinda like stop following until recently only I started keeping touch when the broadband war is around.
I’m sure Packet One and the people at Green Packet will be able to provide something good in the end for the broadband users in the market. Because, seriously… we already has one terrible service provider. Not to mentioned the promises what other broadband companies are giving.
Maybe Ringo’s “Decent Broadband” can compete with Packet One’s WiMAX?? hahaha
I will talk more about Packet One’s WiMAX soon enough.. just wait for it…
Rolling out 4G / WiMAX in Malaysia (4)
Mar 19th
IT IS OUT ALREADY!!
Four companies were awarded the license for WiMAX
1) Green Packet Bhd
2) REDtone International Bhd
3) YTL E-Solutions Bhd
4) Asiaspace Dotcom Sdn Bhd
Award given by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
Reports The Star, Fri 16/03/07
Bis players like Maxis and DiGi were left out with the award.
I would say that this is a fair deal by the government to provide
an equal playing field for all sectors to all companies whom are
capable to roll-out the infrastructure in good hands. WiMAX is a no
joke and it will be the technology for future generations in broadband
usage in Malaysia.
A little bit on WiMAX again, WiMAX is the “next generation” of broadband
which is faster than 3G. The coverage of the broadband could cover up to
50 KM, while the speed would go up to 70 megabits per second.
Compared to 3G which speed is up to 15 megabits per second.
With such coverage and speed, the cost for the infrastructure is way
much lower than 3G’s.
Greenpacket has already set’s its first location to roll out WiMAX.
Testing has been underway, they have their very own product.
Cost for money, lightweight and high speed connectivity.
As the players promises affordable broadband, I can strongly say,
“don’t worry about the price”. You are gonna pay for great service
and coverage, that-which is for Greenpacket’s products.
I will post more details about Greenpacket’s product soon.
Rolling out 4G / WiMAX in Malaysia (3)
Mar 11th
So, no latest BIG news yet..
But, one particular company, namely GreenPacket is gonna kick everyone’s
ass so big this time. It is not like I’ve just known them, but i’ve known them
for quite some time already..
In the recent news (well not so recent).
The Star reported that YTL-e and GreenPacket emerge as frontrunners.
The Minister of Energy, Water and Communication Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik
was suppose to announce the winners by the end of last month, February
but there was no news about it. Guess there is a delay again…
YTL and Greenpacket are two big giants who are bidding for WiMax through
their stake in other companies..
YTL-e announced in late December it would subscribe to new shares in Bizsurf (M) Sdn Bhd, giving it a 50% stake in the company.
Bizsurf is one of 17 licensed service providers that have applied for and are being considered for the 2.3GHz spectrum for WiMAX deployment.
YTL-e would pay RM1.3mil cash for the 50% interest in Bizsurf. This is a small sum for YTL-e, which reported in its last financial results that it held RM167.8mil cash.
Green Packet’s bid for WiMAX is through MIB Comm Sdn Bhd, which is 55% owned by Packet One International Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Green Packet.
Packet One bought the MIB Comm stake in December for RM6mil cash, on condition that an additional RM3mil would be paid to the vendors if the company secured the 2.3GHz spectrum.
My bet for the biggest winner would be GreenPacket.. Why?
Seriously, I’ve seen their product, touch and felt their product.
It has all the thing you wanted for a wireless broadband.
Some features of GreenPacket which would make you get yourself one:
Mobility, Affordability, Wide Coverage and Lightweight.
The company strength is also good enough to be strong in the market
Green Packet is currently installing its SONmetro infrastructure in the Klang Valley that can deploy broadband services using fourth-generation (4G) technology and long-range WiFi coverage. The group’s infrastructure would be enhanced if it secures a WiMAX licence.
The company is also cash-rich, reporting it had RM125mil in cash at end-September last year. That would have been boosted by a private placement in November of new Green Packet shares issued at RM4.50 each, which raised RM182mil cash.
It would thus have over RM300mil in cash.
GreenPacket is slated to come in soon in mid-April.
So watch this blog for updates on GreenPacket…
Rolling out 4G / WiMAX in Malaysia
Dec 6th
Malaysia has announce it will offer two pioneer local company
to hold the 4G/WiMAX license next year.
Let’s hope this will enhance connectivity in Malaysia’s broadband
internet coverage to be larger and better.
I’m still waiting..
