REDtone launches WiMAX to Eastern Malaysia

Enterprise broadband services for Kota Kinabalu signal new services for the discount call market leader.

Motorola announced that REDtone International Berhad (REDtone) has launched the first WiMAX network in Eastern Malaysia. The first phase of the WiMAX network covers Kota Kinabalu business district, enabling high-speed Internet access as well as data applications for enterprises.

In an effort to expand its broadband services offerings in the region, REDtone decided to establish a new network using WiMAX technology, which ensures quick deployment at a lower cost compared to fixed line solutions. Motorola is working with REDtone to deploy WiMAX equipment at base sites and install customer premises equipment (CPE) to provide broadband services in major business districts using REDtone's 2.3 GHz spectrum license.

REDtone is known for its discounted call business in Malaysia where it holds 35% of the market; a model being replicated in China, Pakistan and Singapore. "The next generation wireless broadband network expands our service offerings," said Zainal Amanshah, group chief executive officer of REDtone International Berhad. "We are now able to meet our customers' growing demand for high speed Internet connection and advanced data applications."

Motorola's solution incorporates some of the latest techniques for increased coverage and network performance, including MIMO-B. Smart antenna techniques are a recent transmission breakthrough being incorporated into mobile broadband networks using WiMAX and LTE air protocols.

The operator is planning to expand coverage into Sabah and Sarawak through service provider partnerships to provide consumer broadband services. The region currently lacks the capacity required during peak periods to satisfy market demands, which is resulting in slow and limited Internet access. The new WiMAX network will bring additional bandwidth to the areas and improve overall user experiences.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC

Thursday, August 21, 2008 in Deployments  | Permalink |  Comments (1)