Maxis and local media entertainment group Astro have joined forces to develop and co-market selected products and services for consumers and households in Malaysia, a move which could help them expand quickly into their respective markets.
The pair signed an agreement yesterday, under which they will develop and co-market unique consumer packages combining Astro B.yond IPTV and Astro On-The-Go services, together with Maxis’ fiber internet, mobile internet, wireless internet and ADSL services.
Under the tie-up, Maxis will be the value-added fiber broadband service provider for Astro, which in return will be the IPTV provider for the Malaysian integrated communications service provider’s fixed and wireless platforms. Maxis customers can also have access to a specially developed content package from Astro, the companies said.
The companies said they are in the midst of developing the packages, targeted to be launched in phases. Each company will jointly market these unique packages through all their respective distribution channels.
Sandip Das, CEO of Maxis said: “with the strategic partnership that we have now entered with Astro, Malaysia’s leading consumer media entertainment group, we will bring the best of broadband, voice and television, to our customers wherever they are.”
For Astro the deal will give the company an immediate access to an additional 1.3 million households via fiber connectivity that addressable for its IPTV content offerings, Dato’ Rohana Rozhan, CEO of Astro, said in a joint statement.
As of June 30, Maxis Home had a total of over 57,000 customers, including 9,352 Home Fibre Internet and over 27,000 Home Wireless Internet subscribers,
Its Home Fibre Internet service which is currently available to 1.3 million homes across the country, while its mobile internet service has 82% population coverage.
Astro broadcasts over 156 channels and has a 50% penetration of TV homes in Malaysia or 3.1 million customers.
Additionally, Astro and Maxis have also tied up a co-marketing partnership for Astro’s On-The-Go services to Maxis’ mobile customers. The services deliver a range of content offerings, including TV, radio, live events, and video on demand, and are available on Apple as well as Android smartphones, tablets and PCs/laptops.