TELEKOM MALAYSIA BERHAD (TM) PLANS USD50 MILLION EXPANSION TO TRANSFORM CAMBODIA'S COMMUNICATIONS LANDSCAPE
Asia's emerging communications leader intent on deepening its presence
24 Nov 2006, Phnom Penh, Cambodia -- Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), an emerging leader in Asian communications with operations in nine Asian countries, plans a USD50 million expansion programme to further develop Cambodia's communications sector over the 2006-2007 period.
TM via, its 100-percent owned subsidiary Telekom Malaysia International (Cambodia) Company Limited (TMIC), formerly known as Cambodia Samart Communications Company Limited or CASACOM, has commenced the expansion plan in 2006 with a USD15 million programme which will see switch capacity increasing from 180,000 to 400,000 subscribers. A total of 100 new radio base station sites are also expected to be added as part of plans to upgrade, intensify coverage and improve network quality in the country.
TMIC operates one of the largest GSM networks in Cambodia, under the brand name ‘HELLO015&016'. HELLO015&016 had a subscriber base of 187,700 users as at end-June 2006, representing a market share of 20 percent.
Commenting on the company's capital expenditure plans for Cambodia, Yusof Annuar Yaacob, Chief Executive Officer of TM International reaffirmed that the Malaysian communications company is bullish about TMIC's prospects. The mobile penetration rate for the country is expected to grow from 8.5 percent in 2006 to 10 percent in 2007.
"Improving network capacity and quality, increasing subscriber loyalty and improved customer service are the cornerstone of our plans for Cambodia going forward," he told a media briefing in Phnom Penh today.
HELLO015&016, TM and TMIC's brand promise for quality communication services in Cambodia, is the first network operator in the country to provide General Radio Packet Services (GPRS) including GPRS roaming in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
In early 2006, Thai conglomerate Samart sold off its remaining 49 percent stake in the Cambodian unit to TM for USD29 million. Following this, TM embarked on a renaming exercise to better represent its management influence in the Cambodian mobile company where it is now known as TMIC.
Yusof explained that as part of its regional plans to support a family of successful off shore brands and grow its presence in Cambodia, TM also plans to share its management and operations expertise with TMIC. "HELLO015&016 is now part of TM's global network of more than 24 million mobile subscribers and has access to technology from established telecommunications markets around the region," he stated.
TM, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has a string of other subsidiaries in Asia where it has substantial equity control in several key mobile operators such as Dialog Telekom Ltd of Sri Lanka (89.8 percent), TM International Bangladesh (70.0 percent), and Indonesia's PT Excelcomindo (59.7 percent). It also has a significant 49.0 percent stake in Spice Telecom of India.
"TM is the emerging leader for Asian communications and has all the right ingredients for international success with strong domestic leadership and strategic presence across the region," Yusof said, adding by 2015, TM aims to be Asia's regional communications company of choice, represented by strong domestic brands.
With a combined population of nearly two billion across the nine Asian markets TM is present in, the company is confident of making further inroads where it has a presence and invested substantially in. Through its international investment arm, TM International, the company has invested more than USD1.3 billion in the communications business across Asia. It is also focusing on quick and efficient execution of
specific strategies catered for individual countries, so as to enhance the value of investments as well as boost returns.
While commercial considerations are important, Yusof reaffirmed TM's long-term commitment to all the markets it is present in, including Cambodia, adding that "TM will continue to invest in our markets be it capital, technology transfer, telecommunications infrastructure development and in the community proper."
"The company understands that long-term relationships are only forged by sincere interactions with the local communities. This is an integral part of TM's method of conducting business in Asia as TM understands the importance of community and how telecommunication tools can bring people and countries closer," he adds.
An Asian presence spanning more than 10 years has also equipped TM with a unique ability to work closely with regulators of various markets to bring forth products and services that best complement the national agendas for development.
About TM
TM, an emerging leader in Asian communications, offers a comprehensive range of communication services and solutions in fixed-line, mobile, data and broadband. As one of the largest listed companies in Malaysia with a market capitalisation of USD8.38 billion, TM delivers value to its stakeholders in a highly competitive home environment. The Group places emphasis on continuing customer service quality enhancements and innovations. Currently, with investments and operations in 13 countries around Asia and globally, TM is focused on achieving sustainable growth in both the local and international markets.
TM has interests in nine key markets within Asia - Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Iran. TM has an impeccable track record of adding value to its investments, working closely with its subsidiaries to achieve strong market positions and profitability.
For further information on TM, visit www.tm.com.my.
About Telekom Malaysian International (Cambodia) Company Limited (TMIC)
Telekom Malaysia International (Cambodia) Company Limited (TMIC), formerly known as CASACOM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TM Berhad, is one of Cambodia's leading cellular operators. TMIC operates 900 MHz GSM cellular under a 35-year cellular concession from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Cambodia, which commenced 1992.
It is the fastest growing cellular networks covering all major cities of Cambodia operating under the ‘Hello015&016' brand name.
TMIC aims to provide seamless and high-quality nationwide banking on its two broad strategies - network capacity expansion in areas with existing infrastructure and initial coverage construction with built-in expansion capabilities for future growth in areas with limited coverage.
Leveraging on TM's vast expanding network of established communication brands in Asia, TMIC will continue to spearhead the growth of the communications industry in Cambodia. Through its international investment arm, TM International, TM has established a regional foothold with investments in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
For more information, please go to www.tmic.com.kh.
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