Maxis aims to be the 1st to launch 5G

"We are the first to launch 4G and we would like to continue doing so," he said, adding that Maxis is ready to launch its 5G network and is now waiting for the government to release the spectrum.

In July, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin said the decision on whether the 5G 700 MHz spectrum would be allocated to a consortium or individual licensee was also still under discussions.

“We are still discussing the 700 MHz frequency band, on the basis that we will give priority to telecommunication companies with existing subscribers," Zahidi was quoted as saying.

Gokhan said Maxis' 5G journey started back in 2018 by participating in various lab and field trials.

"As of October last year, we have completed our technical readiness both in terms of investment in current network and equipment with our long-term partner.

"For the provisioning of 5G services, we have completed our selection of equipment. So, since then, we are ready to launch 5G," he said during a virtual press conference after the launch of Maxis new brand purpose.

He said the new brand purpose introduced in conjunction with Maxis’ 25th anniversary and the upcoming 63rd Merdeka celebrations, drives towards bringing the best of technologies to help people, businesses and the nation to ‘Always Be Ahead’ in a changing world.

“This is to signify the intertwining of Maxis and Malaysia’s past, present and future journey together in this rapidly evolving digital age.”

Gokhan said the new brand purpose introduction was also part of Maxis’ five-year transformation plan to become a leading converged solution company.

“This new brand purpose we believe, will help us achieve our vision, hopefully earlier than we think, thus contributing to better business results for the company,” he said.

As part of the campaign, Maxis will be rolling out a series of digitalisation programmes for individuals and businesses throughout the year and introducing special offers in conjunction with the anniversary celebrations.

The digitalisation programmes consists of a series of initiatives to provide assistance and fundamental skills for digital adoption and acceleration in communities across the country.

The initiatives include a cyber safety programme for eKelas students at schools and 82 internet centres nationwide, and Digital 101 for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) under Maxis Business to guide them on mastering digital marketing and e-commerce through workshops.

Maxis will also be upskilling families and tech enthusiasts on how to get more and do more on their devices in partnership with Samsung, Huawei and Apple while its Help Squad will assist SMEs in their application for SME Digitalisation Grant of up to RM5,000.

The Help Squad will also assist SMEs in finding the right solutions for their business through a Digital Readiness Index, an interactive tool that helps businesses assess their digital readiness.

It is also organising a Maxis internet of things (IoT) Challenge 2020, calling the most innovative minds in Malaysia to develop 5G-enabled IoT solutions to solve real business problems.

Meanwhile, the company is offering Maxis and Hotlink customers, RM25,000 worth of App rewards from more than 200 deals to mark its 25th anniversary, including up to RM80 off at Lazada, up to 25 per cent off for domestic destinations at Malaysia Airlines Firefly, and RM25 off at Tesco.

Maxis is also offering the latest smartphones including Samsung Note 20 5G, iPhone 11 and Huawei P40 5G at RM25 each, from Aug 25 - Sept 18 and free 25GB internet upon purchase of any valid HotlinkMU Merdeka deals from Aug 20 - Sept 16.

The RM25 smartphones are also available for Maxis SME and corporate customers. Maxis is also offering 250 loyalty points worth RM375 to customers who sign up for the SME Digitalisation Grant offer.