Telecommunication Issue #11

Axiata stresses new identity; cuts IDD rates

Malaysian news source Bernama is reporting that Malaysian telecoms group Axiata, formerly TM International (TMI), plans to embrace its recent name change, and will introduce the new brand in the consumer space. To that end, Axiata has announced that, whilst it has not renamed its mobile subsidiaries, it has refreshed their respective logos to include the Axiata prism. Malaysia’s Celcom, Sri Lanka’s Dialog Telekom, Excelcomindo (XL) of Indonesia and Telekom Malaysia International Cambodia (TMIC) have all had their logos updated. In addition, Axiata has announced that it is cutting IDD rates across its network in the region by up to 50%, with the offer applying to calls made to Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

StarHub enlists in APG cable consortium

Singaporean telecoms group StarHub joined forces with the consortium set up to develop the Asia-Pacific Gateway (APG) submarine cable system that will link the Asia-Pacific region. Once completed, APG will span 8,000km linking eight countries, namely Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan and South Korea. The link will utilise Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology with a minimum design capacity of 4Tbps of data bandwidth. The other carriers in the APG consortium are Chunghwa Telecom (Taiwan), China Telecom (China), China Unicom (China), KT Corporation (South Korea), NTT Communications (Japan), PLDT (Philippines), Telekom Malaysia (Malaysia) and VNPT (Vietnam).

TM partners with Verizon Business to launch IP node

Malaysian incumbent Telekom Malaysia (TM) has launched a new Internet Protocol (IP) node in partnership with US-based Verizon Business, Bernama reports. TM expects the node, christened Platinum Transit IP, to position Malaysia as an internet hub for the Asia Pacific region, and the launch comes just four months after the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the hub. The operator expects the new infrastructure to provide faster connections among local ISPs, lower broadband costs and more reliable international connections. Commenting on the launch Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, TM’s CEO, said: ‘The IP node will enable TM to offer high-end network services at competitive price, which will enhance its ability to offer high-quality IP-based services to local service providers and hence companies with operations in Malaysia.’

TIME dotCom focusing on wholesale and corporate data sectors

Malaysian news source Business Times is reporting that fixed line and broadband operator TIME dotCom (TdC) is planning to focus its attention on its data service offerings directed at the wholesale, enterprise and corporate market segments. It is understood that TdC plans to concentrate on these specific areas as it believes there is stronger growth potential. Commenting on the strategy Afzal Abdul Rahim, TdC’s CEO, said: ‘The focus on data service offerings will allow us to optimise our existing infrastructure and take advantage of the many opportunities currently available in the market place.’ The announcement followed the release of the operator’s financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2009, with TdC posting a 12.1% increase in revenue to MYR74 million (USD20.5 million). Net loss meanwhile narrowed by 61.7% at MYR34.7 million for the quarter, compared to MYR56 million in the same period last year. TdC attributed the improved performance to higher data revenues helping to offset the decline in voice revenue, while the reduction in losses was a result of lower depreciation and finance charges.

SE-ME-WE 3 CABLE FAILURE AT 282 KM away from Deep Water Bay CLS (HONG KONG)