19 January 2009

Wireless Internet surfing via WiMAX is now very much a reality in Penang and an exclusive, experience was organized today by Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (P1) at Gurney Hotel to showcase to the Penangites how P1 W1MAX broadband can truly help them improve the way they live, work, learn and play. The P1 W1MAX authorized resellers will also have demo points set up from 9 February 2009 onwards at locations around Jalan Perak, Jalan Burma, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Transfer and Bukit Mertajam.

In September 2008, the Penang State Government and P1 entered into a partnership whereby P1 would deploy the infrastructure for WiMAX@Penang under the Wireless@Penang initiative. The first phase of WiMAX@Penang project started in October 2008, with the deployment of P1 base stations to cover areas around George Town, Penang Island, Seberang Prai and today; Penangites can have a hands-on P1 W1MAX experience for themselves.

Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Lim Guan Eng said, “We are very pleased with the progress of the WiMAX@Penang project and with today’s showcase we hope to educate people about the true benefits that the wide availability of WiMAX broadband will bring to them and to the state as a whole. In the constant strive to elevate the state’s status as an international business and tourism hub, having quality broadband infrastructure, equal access to information via Internet and giving people the ability to participate in the emerging Malaysian cyberspace, is a key”.

“Malaysians are hungry for quality broadband.” said Michael Lai, CEO of P1 informed, “Just at the last PC Fair in Penang, we saw thousands of people who registered their interest in P1 W1MAX high speed, wireless broadband. This is why, together with the state government, we are organizing an exclusive, one day showcase, so that people themselves can experience the difference P1 W1MAX broadband offers”.

The WiMAX@Penang project is in line with the state government’s move to ensure that the island state becomes an “i-Land” by 2010.