Kuala Lumpur, 1 July 2005 - Maxis Communications Berhad ("Maxis"), Malaysia's leading mobile operator, today unveiled Maxis3G, its vision for the next generation of mobile communications.

 

For the first time in Malaysia, 3G can be enjoyed by both prepaid as well as postpaid mobile phone users, opening the door to all 15 million mobile users in the country including the 6.5 million Maxis customers.

 

Maxis offers a compelling value proposition that integrates high-performance network with seamless connectivity and international roaming capabilities, as well as extensive video entertainment and information through its 3G portal - all easily available through a wide range of Maxis3G optimized handsets, affordable pricing and a straightforward upgrade scheme.

 

Maxis Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Jamaludin Ibrahim said: "We're committed to making 3G a success.   Throughout the last two years, we have been making sure that the building blocks are in place so that 2005 opens up a world of mobility and possibilities for our customers.  The time has arrived for us to unveil the world of Maxis3G - a world of a New Vision.

 

"In delivering 3G, it was important for us to produce a customer proposition that centers around four elements: make it easy for customers to move to 3G, make it work, make it fun - and, most importantly, make it affordable. Today, we are launching with a very attractive offer".

 

With Maxis3G, customers retain their existing numbers and rate plans, and only need to get a Maxis 3G-customised phone and a 3G SIM card to start enjoying 3G services.

 

In addition, to ensure that customers enjoy a truly unique Maxis3G experience, the company has spent considerable effort and investment in optimizing its 3G network and handsets, and making sure that they work compatibly with one another.  Currently, Maxis has 300 3G sites serving the Klang Valley, delivering reliable and quality coverage, and seamless connectivity between 2.5G and 3G.

 

"The company's strategy is to deploy 3G network coverage which delivers a high quality service within defined data usage areas, then enhance this coverage over time based on customer demand, starting with Klang Valley now, and rolling into Penang and Johor Bahru by the end of the year," he added. Maxis' total investment for 3G will be RM400 million in 2005.

 

With 3G, data transmission can reach speeds of up to 384kbps, making 3G six (6) times faster than GPRS and three (3) times faster than EDGE.  Customer can now watch live TV and video streaming without tedious interruptions and download ringtones and video clips in mere seconds.

 

Maxis3G customers will also be able to make video calls to and from five (5) other countries - Singapore, Hong Kong, UK, Germany and Poland - with many more being added in the coming months.

 

On top of this, Maxis3G offers extensive entertainment on the go. With seven (7) live TV channels, 10 news, business and sports video alerts, live traffic checks, home surveillance, and over 8,000 music tones, 150 video clips and 200 games to choose from, customer can turn their phone into a full-fledged multimedia and entertainment center.

 

"Most importantly, we are making 3G affordable," Jamaludin pointed out.

 

While standard video call rates are double of voice call rates, Maxis is offering video calls at voice call rates for an extended one-year promotion. Video content packages are priced between RM8 to RM15, with the first month being offered for free upon sign up. These prices are all inclusive and Maxis is not charging additional kilobyte charges for video transmissions or downloads. Finally, Maxis is offering both special phone prices and airtime rebates of RM400 and RM210 for its first 5,000 3G postpaid and prepaid customers respectively.

 

Jamaludin is upbeat yet realistic about 3G's prospects: "If you need to buy a new phone, you might as well go for 3G," he said, but added that it might take two to three years before 3G will reach critical mass.

 

The launch of Maxis3G mobile services is the next significant step in the company's 3G strategy, following the introduction of Malaysia's first 3G service - the Maxis3G Connect data card - in April.

 

Customers can walk into over 50 Maxis3G stores to purchase a Maxis3G customized phone and a 3G SIM card. For enquiries, please call the Maxis3G customer service hotline at 1800-82-3333.

 

For more information about Maxis3G, please visit www.maxis.com.my.