News
Malaysian WiMAX operator relaunches, but stays tight-lipped on progress of its LTE plans, talking up CSR initiatives instead.
Malaysia’s Packet One Networks, or P1, this week launched its new identity as part of its transition from a WiMAX operator into an LTE player, but has yet to present any mobile services or tariffs, focusing instead on content and CSR initiatives.
P1 formally adopted its new name, webe, on Wednesday, describing itself as "the new digital mobility service provider that’s part of Telekom Malaysia (TM) Group."
TM bought a majority stake in the operator just over two years ago with a view to reusing its spectrum and cell sites for an LTE rollout.
But there was barely any mention of that new network plan this week.
"If you were wondering when we’ll tell you about our new LTE service (yes, that’s coming), stay tuned for more news in the upcoming weeks," webe said, in a postscript to its rebrand announcement.
Instead, the firm has chosen to focus on the community aspect of its business, insisting that as the last player in the market, it needs something different in order to draw attention to itself.
Its USP? "Having a higher purpose and a deeper connection with our communities."
Thus its launch is focused around the idea of the webe community, that enables members to launch projects to make positive changes in Malaysia.
Webe announced seven such projects on Wednesday, including a dengue fever app, a school ICT project and a virtual field trip offer for under-privileged children, as well as a pop album and a free online zombie movie.
The company said it wants Malaysians to embrace this project-led business. "This is why when we launch, we aren’t telling you about our plans or products or services first. Rest assured, that will come in due time," it said.
That may well be true, but it will still leave cynical industry watchers speculating on the progress it is making with its LTE rollout.
Oh, and the rationale behind the new name? It’s a combination of the words ‘we’ and ‘be’…"We being greater than me and the freedom to Be yourself," webe said. Simple enough.
