Faster Wireless Communications

WIMAX licence holder Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd has awarded a contract worth US$71 million (RM234.3 million) to Alcatel-Lucent to deploy and manage its WiMax network in the 2.3 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum band.

Under the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will supply Packet One with a turnkey, end-to-end integrated WiMax wireless broadband solution, including base stations, wireless access controllers and an operations and maintenance centre.

Alcatel-Lucent also will be responsible for the design, supply, construction, installation, testing, commissioning, integration, optimisation and maintenance of Packet One's WiMax network.

Deployment is already under way in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor, and expected to expand rapidly throughout the peninsula.

Packet One plans to provide WiMax coverage for 25 per cent of the Malaysian population by end of this year, and 40 per cent by end of 2010. The company aims to provide WiMax coverage to 60 per cent of the population, including urban, suburban and rural areas, within five years.

The new WiMax 2.3GHz service is said to facilitate faster wireless communications and provide a strong foundation to support the further development and growth of information and communications technology in the country.

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