KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah people would be the first to experience high-speed wireless Internet access in East Malaysia with the launch of the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) technology by REDtone International Bhd.

According to REDtones group chief executive officer Zainal Amanshah, the service would be available in most high-density areas of the city on a 2.3 GHz band.

“By selectively focusing on high density areas, we are committed to achieve 25 per cent coverage of the population in Sabah this year. Customers in East Malaysia can expect to pay up to 40 per cent less for REDtones WiMAX compared to traditional leased lines.

“By taking the lead in bringing down the price of wireless high-speed broadband service, wed like to think REDtone will be the catalyst in driving in the pricing down further to make the service even more affordable not only to the corporate and SME sectors, but to consumers too,” he said at the WiMAX Soft Launch and Agreement Signing between REDtone and Motorola Electronics Sdn Bhd here yesterday.

State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said REDtones expansion to Sabah would assist the state to fully implement its information and communications technology development agenda.

The service is expected to be deployed in Kuching in October. — Bernama