Malaysians receive wide, optimized, feature-laden access to the Web from the full range of mobile devices
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and New York, US – May 24 2011
Maxis Berhad (Maxis), Malaysia’s leading integrated communications service provider, and Opera Software (Opera), have partnered to launch an original mobile web browsing experience to 13.9 million Malaysians who are Maxis customers. The Opera Mini browser is renowned for its smart browsing, offering faster, more affordable Internet access on mobile devices including tablets, for all platforms including Java, Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Mobile and Symbian/S60.
From May 27, Maxis customers will enjoy the full range of famed Opera Mini features for mobile browsing, including surfing at up to six times faster speed than native browsers*, combined with easy, integrated access to Maxis” content and services ecosystem on its WAP portal – all seamlessly delivered over Maxis” leading 3G network encompassing more than 5000 sites across East and Peninsular Malaysia.
Jean-Pascal van Overbeke, Maxis” Chief Operating Officer said: “We are pleased and proud to introduce the Maxis Opera Mini browser to further enhance and enrich the Malaysian and Maxis experience of the online universe from any screen, anywhere. This introduction complements Maxis” constantly expanding offerings of relevant content and services, with a unique version of the Opera Mini browser that is experienced in its full capability by any Maxis customer, over the entire range of device types. This also takes Maxis further towards its goal of connecting more Malaysians across more interactive Internet touchpoints, through partnerships that bring true value and innovation.”
T. Kugan, Maxis Vice President and Head of Product, Devices and Innovation added: “There are already more than 7.2 million Maxis customers accessing the mobile Internet. Therefore, we can only grow our commitment to greater internet access for all, in order to provide equal opportunity. The Opera Mini browser from Maxis will open up to expanding mobile participation in the Internet, better ways to experience enriched content categories such as have been aggregated on Maxis” recently launched MYLAUNCHPAD destination portal. As part of Maxis” commitment to being a key enabler of every layer of society, before this weekend, customers can begin downloading the Maxis Opera Mini browser application at no data charge.”
According to Opera’s State of the Mobile Web report, each Opera Mini user in Malaysia browsed 588 pages on average in January 2011. With Maxis” affordable data plans starting at RM3 a week, and Opera Mini’s proprietary technology to compress webpages by up to 90% for more browsing under every data plan, it’s anticipated that Opera Mini usage in Malaysia will experience a rapid uptake.
“Making the Web available on people’s own terms is always our mission. By working with Opera, Maxis is able to help more subscribers enjoy the fastest, most full-featured and least costly web experience on their mobile devices,” said Lars Boilesen, Chief Executive Officer, Opera Software. “Maxis subscribers can always stay online with comfort using the Maxis Opera Mini browser to extend their PC-browsing experience to their mobile devices. Therefore, we consider bringing the next million people access to the Web through their mobile devices as a form of reality in the making. With over 100 million users around the world, we can provide assurance of Opera Mini’s quality, security and meaningful value.”
From May 27, customers can surf to m.opera.com to download Maxis Opera Mini 4.3 or 6, the latest versions, over-the-air (OTA) at no charge. Or, simply SMS “Opera” to 26000 to receive a direct link. Acclaimed Opera Mini features include the ability to view any HTML webpage on a mobile screen, faster loading due to compression technology, a user interface designed for both touchscreen and keypad-style devices, the ability to set up a Speed Dial of preferred pages, and the use of Opera’s own virtual keyboard. The new Maxis Opera Mini adds capabilities such as a service toolbar that integrates with the Maxis ecosystem of service innovations and that provides simplified account management. In the future, Maxis Opera Mini will continue to be upgraded and integrated with Maxis” suite of Life Services for enriched mobile access.
For more information on the new Maxis Opera Mini mobile browser, and for details of Maxis data plans, go to maxis.com.my/personal/mobile/browse_search/index.asp
To download the new Maxis Opera Mini mobile browser, SMS “Opera” to 26000.
* According to tests conducted in 2010 by Opera Labs, comparing performance of the Opera Mini browser against a native browser, in the same mobile device.
About Maxis Berhad
Maxis Berhad with its consolidated subsidiaries (together, ‘Maxis”) is the leading integrated communications provider in Malaysia with 13.92 million mobile subscriptions as of 31 December 2010. Since 1995, Maxis” Malaysian business has been providing a full suite of communication services on multiple platforms to satisfy the needs of individual consumers, small and medium enterprises, and large corporations in Malaysia.
Maxis has pioneered and led the Malaysian market in providing innovative mobile products and services. It was the first to launch 3G services, Maxis3G, in March 2005. In September 2006 it was among the world’s first to use HSDPA, a high-speed upgrade of the 3G network. In December 2009 it was first to introduce to Malaysia, HSPA+, the latest advancement in 3G/HSPA network capabilities, to further enhance its wireless broadband services.
Maxis is a leading regional content player with 41.5% of non-voice revenue as part of mobile revenue and with over 50% of its customer base being active mobile internet users. It continually explores global and local best partnerships with partners such as Western Union and PayPal to bring the latest relevant content first to customers. Maxis actively builds a local content ecosystem with partners to forward the Malaysian content industry.
It was also the first telecommunication service provider to bring the BlackBerryâ„¢ and Apple iPhoneâ„¢ smart phones to Malaysia. The company in April 2009 unveiled the first-in-the world commercial near field communication service, which enables customers to use their phones for wave and pay transactions.
Maxis” growth and strong track record of enabling innovation, excellent customer experience and value to stakeholders have won the company numerous awards over the years which include Asia’s Best Employer Award 2010 from Singapore’s Employer Branding Institute. Maxis was nominated as Best Mobile Operator in 2010’s World Communication Awards for leadership in service innovation.
Maxis” vision is to bring advanced communications services to enrich its customers” lives and businesses, in a manner that is simple and personalised, by efficiently and creatively harnessing leading edge technology, and delivering a brand of service experience that is reliable and enchanting.
Maxis has also been active in carrying out Corporate Responsibility programmes to serve the communities. Since 2002 Maxis has been dedicated to working in unison with the Ministry of Information Communications and Culture Malaysia (‘KPKK”) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (‘SKMM”) on the Bridging Communities corporate responsibility programme to increase Malaysian access to the digital platform.
For more information, please visit: maxis.com.my