Packet One Networks Malaysia (P1) has selected Alcatel-Lucent to deploy and manage one of the world’s first large-scale commercial WiMAX networks to date in the 2.3 GHz spectrum band, a deal valued at USD71 million for Phase 1 of deployment.

This project highlights P1’s preeminent position in the commercial introduction of WiMAX 802.16e technology and helps establish Malaysia as one of Asia-Pacific’s wireless broadband leaders.

Alcatel-Lucent will supply P1, a subsidiary of Green Packet Berhad and WiMAX license-holder, with a complete, turn-key, end-to-end integrated WiMAX wireless broadband solution, including base stations, wireless access controllers, and an operation and maintenance center. Alcatel-Lucent also will be responsible for designing, supplying, constructing, installing, testing, commissioning, integrating, optimizing and maintaining P1’s WiMAX network.

Deployment is already underway in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor and will expand rapidly throughout West Malaysia. P1 plans to provide WiMAX coverage for 25 percent of the population in Malaysia (6.5 million people) by the end of 2008 and 40 percent of the population in Malaysia (10 million people) by the end of 2010. P1 expects to provide WiMAX coverage to 60 percent of the nation’s population – including urban, suburban and rural areas – within five years.

“P1 will serve as an important showcase in Southeast Asia for WiMAX Rev-e’s readiness to support a vibrant business,” said Frederic Rose, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s business in Europe, Africa and Asia. “We’ve demonstrated the maturity of our WiMAX solution worldwide, and the terminal ecosystem is now really taking off – P1 being a ready and capable organization stands to benefit from that.”

The new WiMAX 2.3Ghz service will facilitate significantly faster wireless communications and provide a strong foundation to support the further development and growth of information and communications technology in Malaysia. It also supports the government’s National Broadband Plan to foster economic progress through the establishment of a knowledge-based economy.

Mr. Lim Keng Yaik, Minister of Energy, Water and Communications, expressed delight that P1 is leading the pack by becoming one of the first to commercially deploy mobile WiMAX in the 2.3GHz band in Asia-Pacific and to establish one of the world’s largest mobile WiMAX 2.3Ghz network. “With the solid foundation established today by P1 together with Alcatel-Lucent, Malaysia’s vision to offer the best communications and wireless broadband infrastructure is now within our grasp.”

P1 is the first out of the four Malaysian WiMAX 2.3Ghz license-holders to deliver on its commitment to deploy WiMAX in an effort to help the Malaysian government realize its aspiration to enrich the lives of Malaysians and bridge digital divide.