After numerous delays in rolling out its WiMAX network, YTL Power International Bhd’s subsidiary YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YTL Comms) is finally upping the ante by launching not only its data but also voice services over WiMAX by year-end.
According to YTL Comms CEO Wing K Lee, it has secured the 018 number for its voice services and is on track to reach 65% network coverage of the population via its planned launch early in the fourth quarter (4Q).
“One thing you have to realise is that no network is perfect from day one. We’ll start with 65% of the country’s population and we’ll get deeper, broader and faster as we go along.
“I know there are certain outside opinions that keep saying we are late. The plan hasn’t changed. I came on board last September, I will deliver this by 4Q. Suffice to say the launch will not be late 4Q,” Wing told The Edge Financial Daily.
As for an indicative price and details of its packages, Wing declined to comment, only saying it would be good value.
“It will be a good price. It doesn’t make sense to break them (data and voice) apart. When you have a holistic value in the network, it doesn’t make sense to say you can have this piece but not that piece,” he said.
The YTL group is investing about RM2.5 billion in the WiMAX network. It has partnered with Samsung, GCT Semiconductors, Oracle and IBM as part of its implementation.
The latest is a partnership with Intel Corporation that allows for seamless integration between its service and WiMAX embedded laptops and netbooks.
Asked about its break-even target, Wing said the group was taking a long-term view instead.
“YTL invests for the long term. Our entire RM2.5 billion is all funded internally. Why do you think so? So we don’t have to succumb to outside pressure and have to cut corners. If you deliver high value, high integrity, then the consumers will respond,” said Wing.
He said consumers could expect devices by YTL that were more than access points to the network.
“I didn’t come on board just to sell dongles. We are doing a lot more than that,” said Wing. Part of the line-up will be WiMAX-enabled phones for both voice and data.
The YTL group, via YTL e-Solutions Bhd, was one of four companies awarded the 2.3Ghz spectrum for WiMAX in 2007. YTL Comms is undertaking the rollout of the network.
by Aishah Mustapha
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