Chinese vendor Huawei has made inroads in the competitive Malaysian market, winning a contract to deploy a next-generation fiber-to-the-home network for telco Maxis.
Huawei will build and manage a full-service FTTx network using GPON technologies to enable the carrier to offer fixed-to-mobile convergence (FMC) services.
Network build-out is scheduled to be completed by end-2010, and Huawei will manage the network for the next three years.
The Chinese vendor will deliver active and passive equipment, holistic ODN (Optical Distribution Network) designs, and eco-friendly micro base stations, as part of the deal.
Maxis plans to launch services in three regions within the next 12 months, with the first area due to be hooked up by end 2010.
COO Jean-Pascal van Overbeke said the new network is a key step in the telco’s plan to deliver new services covering commerce, education, health and entertainment.
Maxis has already deployed 10,000km of fiber and 7,000 mobile base stations in Malaysia, as it bids to become the country’s leading supplier of integrated services.
Vice president T. Kugan previously revealed the firm will spend 1.4 billion ringgit (€350 million) on network enhancements.
The firm believes Malaysia has a large, untapped, home broadband market, despite already having over 16 million Internet users.
Analysts believe Maxis could become a major player in Malaysia’s IPTV market, provided it gets regulatory approval to deliver high-end, exclusive, content.