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User anticipation builds as P1 Malaysia turns on WiMAX
A free modem and thirty day no-cost trial attract early subscribers to the start of Malaysian WiMAX service.
Packet One Networks (P1) in Malaysia turned on mobile WiMAX in the Klang Valley
last week. The soft launch was timed with the PC Fair 2008 at the KL
Convention Center and offered would-be subscribers a chance to see WiMAX in
action and an opportunity to participate in a no-cost trial of the service.
Initial WiMAX coverage is available in Kuala Lumpur City Center, Gombak, Sentul,
Setapak, and selected areas in the Subang high-tech area, Subang Jaya, and USJ 1
and 2. P1 CEO Michael Lai estimated that 65% of the country will be
covered by 2012.
The P1 network incorporates the 802.16e-2005 standard for WiMAX equipment and
operates in the licensed 2.3 GHz frequency band. Attendees at PC Fair were
informed that downlink speeds would be 10 Mbps for fixed residential service.
"So far WiMAX is giving me a positive image," notes
Ka Hoong Lee, a
part-time student at University Technology Malaysia who toured the P1 stand over
the weekend. The operator showed off a glossy black desktop CPE with the
P1 logo, which Lee managed to snap a photo from the crowd.
"The best thing is we can actually test the WiMAX at the luxury of our home,"
wrote Mohamad Zaki
on his blog. "They are currently giving out free WiMAX modem to
everyone signing up. You will be able to test the speed, latency etc for
one whole month, which in my opinion is a pretty good deal." It wasn't obvious
when users would receive their modem or what the monthly subscription fees would
be after the trial concludes. According to the company, monthly
subscription costs are expected to be below RM100 (~ US$30.60).
By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC