CELCOM 3G NETWORK ROLLOUT ON TRACK

The network rollout for TM Group's 3G services known as Celcom 3G is well on track and ready to be launched anytime. The new service will be launched simultaneously in the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Bahru and Malacca. In addition, this will include Kulim Hi-Tech and Sungai Petani.

Apart from the Klang Valley where most of the initial demandis expected to come from, TM Group has chosen Penang as part of Celcom 3G initial rollout as its known as Malaysia's 'Silicon Valley' and the setting up of a new Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) area in the State. In the case of Johor and Malacca, these areas were chosen due to their popularity as tourist destinations with sizeable traffic from neighbouring Singapore. While Kulim Hi-Tech and Sungai Petani have a concentration of major high-tech industries.

YAB Dato' Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi, The Prime Minister of Malaysia had a preview of Celcom 3G services during his visit to TM Group Corporate HQ at Menara TM on Thursday, 14 April 2005. Apart from experiencing Mobile Broadband access, Video Streaming and Mobile TV, the Prime Minister also spent some 10 minutes speaking with TM's senior executives in Kepala Batas, Johor Bahru and Malacca using Celcom 3G Video Call.

"Although the network is ready to be launched anytime now, TM Group intends to officially launch the Celcom 3G services on an auspicious date which is on the World Telecommunications Day on 17 May 2005. By that time, Celcom 3G also expects to have sufficient 3G handsets which are currently in high demand globally. The Celcom 3G team is currently busy with preparations for the official launch," said Dato' Abdul Wahid Omar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM.

Although TM Group had previously estimated that the total investment cost will be RM4.3billion over 15 years, the actual amount is expected to be significantly lower in view of the stability of the technology and the competitive environment among various 3G equipment vendors.

For it's initial launch of 3G services in the four areas simultaneously, TM Group is investing less than RM300 million

With 3G services, transmission of text, digitized voice, video and multimedia could be done at speeds in access of 384 Kbps, moving up to 2.0 Mbps in the near future. The service will further enhance the use of mobile phones into a personalized device for information, transactions, entertainment and security purpose. Customers can look forward to various applications from 3G services such as video call, multimedia messaging (MMS) live TV, live traffic information and surfing internet using 3G mobile phone or by using data card. In addition, a key feature of Celcom 3G is that customers can communicate while surfing the internet simultaneously.

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), a leading regional information and communications group, offers a comprehensive range of communication services and solutions in fixed-line, mobile, data and broadband. As one of the largest listed companies on Bursa Malaysia with an operating revenue of more than RM13 billion, TM is driven to deliver value to its stakeholders in a highly competitive environment.

The Group places emphasis on continuing customer service quality enhancements and innovations. Currently, with investments and operations in 12 countries around Asia and globally, TM is focused on sustainable growth in both the local and international markets.

For further information on TM, visit www.tm.com.my.

>> Click here for Bahasa Malaysia version