DiGi.Com Berhad (“DiGi”) announced the appointment of Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd as its vendor to integrate, deploy and manage its 3G network leading up to commercial launch in early 2009.
Under the agreement, Huawei will supply UMTS Radio Access and Packet-Switched Core Network services and equipment, and be responsible for the design, supply, installation, integration, optimization and maintenance of the first phase of DiGi’s 3G mobile broadband network.
Speaking at the closed-door signing ceremony, Johan Dennelind, CEO of DiGi said, “We are looking for partners in mobile broadband and advanced data services that possess technological competency, capability in the provision of end-to-end solutions for mobile broadband network, local presence, and proven track record in implementing 3G projects around the world. For the first phase, we found synergy in our vision and strategy with Huawei, and now look forward to a successful deployment.”
On the appointment, Huawei’s president of South Pacific Region, Jeff Liu said, “This is an important milestone for us and we are proud to have the opportunity to partner the fastest growing mobile service provider in Malaysia. We believe that our strength in WCDMA and experience in rolling out 3G networks will pave the way for a fruitful partnership.”
For DiGi, 3G offers opportunities for it to enhance network capacity and efficiency, as well as provide a platform for on-going innovation and development of enhanced mobile and broadband services using the latest technology in High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) available today.
“Our network deployment is now underway at locations where DiGi can best provide for Malaysians who demand enhanced mobile communication and faster wireless services. As such, we are now on track to bring internet to Malaysians both on big and small screens by early 2009, making high-speed Internet access simple and easily available,” added Johan.
08 August 2008
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2 comments:
This one about DiGi's 3G is extremely interesting! At the very least, it'll provide more competition to Celcom and Maxis, who have already rolled out their 3G/Mobile Broadband Internet offerings.
I'm eagerly waiting for these three to fight it out, and keep coming up with better deals for us - as had happened in the cellular handphone market over the past years.
As I had commented in another post, I'm now a subscriber of Celcom's 3G/Mobile Internet Broadband, after buying the equipment and registering at the nearest BLUE CUBE outlet.
I'm really grateful in having Internet access at home, for I need it to make a living for myself and my family. Simple as that.
I live in a real kampung in Kelantan, and previously had to do without access from home for a few years ... having to go to the cybercafe 5 miles away when I need to. Now this is not efficient.
So why did I choose the 3G offering of Celcom instead of Maxis?
Here's one fact that's basically true:
In Kelantan, Celcom's coverage is usually better than both Maxis and DiGi (Ask a few others to verify it).
That's why I had also used a 019 number for my handphone; despite Maxis and DiGi offering better rates and facilities. Celcom sucks here!
Like its "8-Pax", for example - 1 sen for a SMS message to someone listed in it. GREAT ... except that Maxis and DiGi allow you 10 and 11 receivers as compared to Celcom's 8! And Celcom's 20 sen charge for a SMS to Maxis and DiGi is really exorbitant!
But there are a few crucial things that I have to place priority on, and which decide my choosing Celcom instead of the other two. One of that is the ability to add a Telekom Malaysia landline number as among the "8 Pax". If I'm not mistaken, the other two don't allow this one.
The other crucial point is the coverage area - especially in its Quality and Consistency. Nowadays, there are only a very few places that do not receive a signal at all. In Kelantan, you'll get a signal at most places, no matter which mobile provider you use.
However, the signal's strength for Maxis and DiGi is inferior to Celcom's. At least in Kelantan. It's the same for 3G Mobile Internet too.
I had asked a Maxis Mobile Broadband guy in Kota Bharu about getting 3G in my area. He gave a sad smile and shook his head, saying "Staun-dua lagi mungkin buleh kawasae tu..." ("It might be possible in a year or two for that area...")
Celcom ... Unknown to me, just a week before I had signed on (July 16), a BLUE CUBE outlet was opened in my hometown (Pasir Mas). I was impressed with the young ladies working at this small franchise - they had enough knowledge and information to satisfactorily answer my bombardment of questions.
And honest too, by telling things "as they are", despite being very eager to get me to sign up (and forking out the hard-earned money for equipment and subscription) ... Things like, the 3G service in the district is rather new, and still facing teething problems, etc etc. Now this kind of honesty is something that I really appreciate.
There were quite a number of subscription packages to choose from; with different options provided when it comes to things like: "Contract for a certain period, OR No Contract?" ... "Which HSDPA modem to choose from" ... "Buy modem outright, OR "Partial Discount", OR "Free" ... etc.
(Remember the Celcom Euro 2008 advertisements in the papers in June and July? Like this one on June 22 in Sunday Star: "Michael said there's no way anyone would give away free modems. He was wrong." ... With a `Celcom Euro 2008 Limited Edition' USB Modem, 512MB Flash Drive and Modem Pouch given as gifts.)
Well, to cut this already VERY LONG comment short, I was pleasantly surprised with how easy and hassle-free it has been since then and until now.
After installing the Celcom Broadband software in my laptop - and after my 3G SIM card info was listed in their system - I now have access to the Internet at my humble kampung - and wherever I go! ... a (necessary) luxury that I've not had for 4 years.
Just plug in the USB modem into the laptop, wherever I am. After a few seconds, the software will inform what type of connection is available - UMTS or GPRS; or both - and the signals' strength (4 bars the maximum). Click on "Connect" to log in; which requires waiting for ... oh, 4.52 seconds, AND I'M IN!!
Yes, the download/upload speed is usually not as good as Streamyx. Or/And maybe WiFi too. But bear in mind that "mobile broadband/Internet" is in a different category from these two.
It has it's own shortcomings, but there's one critical aspect which is its forte, and (usually) can't be done with ADSL and WiFi - MOBILITY. The Celcom Broadband slogan elaborates: "Instant high speed Internet connectivity anytime, anywhere"
[If I have the time later, I'll try to come back here and write something about Huawei - its HSDPA USB modem, specifically - and its distributor, Ten Ten Telecommunications Sdn Bhd.]
| Mart Anon | asyanonATgmailDOTcom |
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Thanks mart anon!
Its really interesting story to share with,
wish could get any story from u again
nway we will see the Wimax roll out later..it could be better boom up for broadband...
wait for my story
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