Skudai, July 2nd: A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and YTL Corporation Berhad to provide 4G campus-wide network in UTM Skudai.

Under this arrangement, YTL through their subsidiary company, YTL Communication Sdn. Bhd. (YTL Comms) undertook the following aspects such as to design, build, operate and manage a 4G campus-wide network for the provision of data and voice service within the Johor Bahru campus.

YTL Comms will help enhance UTM’s existing ICT infrastructure besides providing free broadband access to every student to allow data and voice services of 300 megabytes per user per month within the campus area.

The expectation will be high as this landmark was the first in an extensive programme spearheaded by YTL to bring 4G converged service, offering data, voice and mobility into all public universities in Malaysia.

As a result of this mutual understanding, UTM as the first public institutions will benefit from that available high-speed wireless broadband connectivity to more than 400, 000 students by year-end making it the first university in Malaysia to provide free high-speed internet connectivity.

The low latency, high bandwidth 4G technology supports fast data rates. It is highly efficient and will develope a robust device ecosystem for web services.

This effort is in support of the National Broadband Initiative (NBI) aim to reach 50 percent broadband penetration rate by the end of 2010.

The agreement was signed by UTM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang and Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Francis Yeoh, Excutive Chairman of YTL Communications on behalf of YTL Corporation Berhad and witnessed by Dato’ Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim, Minister of Information, Communications and Culture.

“We are on the cutting edge of new technology, the first university in Malaysia to gain exposure to high-speed 4G broadband wireless connectivity,” said UTM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang during a press conference after the ceremony.

He also said that by having this 4G campus-wide network, UTM will be a unique public university.

“It provides a competitive edge to demonstrate to the prospective students that we are progressing in developing new technologies and providing current students with holistic learning,” he added.

The ceremony was held at Dewan Jamuan, UTM Johor Bahru campus on July 1st, 2010.

Source: UTM.MY